Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• a headache
• dizziness
• feeling sick or being sick
• feeling weak
• tiredness and confusion
• chest and muscle pain
• shortness of breath
• your face turning hot and red (flushing) – but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin
• loss of vision

The symptoms may come and go. They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by breathing in carbon monoxide gas.

Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty or are poorly maintained.

Appliances that can produce carbon monoxide include:

• gas boilers
• gas cookers and clay ovens
• gas or paraffin heaters
• wood, gas and coal fires
• portable generators

Using barbecues or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle or lawn mower engines in an enclosed space (such as a garage) can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.

If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning:

• stop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide (such as a boiler, cooker or heater) if you can
• go outside
• get medical advice as soon as possible – do not go back into the affected building until you have got advice

You will need to be checked in hospital if you have carbon monoxide poisoning.

While you are in hospital, you will usually have tests to check the level of carbon monoxide in your blood.

You may also be given oxygen through a mask.

There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• get a carbon monoxide alarm that makes a loud sound if there's carbon monoxide present – get 1 for each room of your home containing appliances that burn gas, oil, coal or wood

• get heating and cooking appliances properly installed and keep them well maintained

• make sure boilers, heaters and cookers are serviced regularly by a qualified and registered engineer

• keep rooms well ventilated, and make sure chimneys and flues are clean and well maintained

• do not use a barbecue or camping stove indoors or inside a tent

• do not leave vehicles or other engines on in enclosed spaces (such as a garage)

• do not use oversized cooking pots on your stove that cover up more than 1 gas ring

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when you breathe in carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide can be made by household appliances, fires and engines.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, dizziness, feeling sick, weakness, confusion and shortness of breath.

If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, stop using any appliances, go outside for fresh air and get medical advice immediately.

You will need to go to hospital if you have carbon monoxide poisoning. You may be given oxygen through a mask.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by keeping cooking and heating appliances maintained. You can also get a carbon monoxide alarm.