6 Main Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The Six Main Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Being aware of the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can help save your life. The main symptoms to look out for are:

1. Headaches
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea
4. Breathlessness
5. Collapse
6. Loss of Consciousness

Carbon Monoxide symptoms are similar to those of flu, food poisoning, viral infections and fatigue. That’s why it’s quite common for people to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else.

Other Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Your symptoms only occur when you are at home and seem to disappear when you leave home.
• Others in your household (including pets) are experiencing similar symptoms and they appear at a similar time.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in the gas and it replaces oxygen in your bloodstream. Without oxygen, your body tissue and cells die. Even small amounts of the gas can cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and long term effects can include paralysis and brain damage.

Unsafe gas appliances can produce a highly poisonous gas called carbon monoxide (chemical compound name: CO). It can cause death as well as serious long term health problems such as brain damage.

Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).

This happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Oil and solid fuels such as coal, wood, petrol and oil can also produce carbon monoxide.

What To Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the house.
• See your doctor immediately or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check.
• If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
• Ask a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to see if there is a dangerous problem.

To find engineers who are qualified to investigate the presence of fumes, follow the link to the ‘Find by Location’ page. Enter your postcode and select either Domestic or Commercial Appliances and press ‘Find’. Under the ‘Select appliance type’ tab chose ‘Fumes Investigation’. Remember to click ‘Find’ again to see the updated results.