Carbon Monoxide Gas could call in your home
Carbon Monoxide Gas could call in your home
Carbon Monoxide Gas is a very toxic gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. Carbon Monoxide gas can be produced when a gas boiler is operating with too little air supply provided to the combustion chamber. Carbon Dioxide is the normal production from a gas appliance but this can be superseded by Co with reduced air or a blocked flue. Tragically there are 30 Co poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular gas appliance servicing.
What will I observe if I have a Carbon Monoxide Gas issue in my home?
If your gas appliances have indications of discoloration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. Inspecting gas pilot lights can give early warning of a lack of oxygen in the central heating appliance as the colour of the pilot light may change from blue to yellowish. Treat the pilot like a traffic light, if it turns yellow this is a warning and you should arrange for the boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Co related illness.
Bad air resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous Co. The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide production is lack of air to a gas flame. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important add-on to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by Carbon Monoxide Gas gas. Air air bricks and panels should be kept clear and checked throughout the year to make sure that the designed air flow is kept to your gas appliances. Garden plants can also be a risk to you as growth throughout the summer can block air vents to a boiler which may not be in operation until the cold weather returns. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance air look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a flue which is not being used in the warm weather could completely block the air when required in the winter. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Co detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was triggered.
What will Co Poisoning result in?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any marks of Co inhalation in your family. It is better to act quickly if you spot any signs as prevarication could lead to a death. Seek help without delay. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can affect anyone irregardless of age. This also applies to home Pets.
Are there any warning marks of the presence of Carbon Monoxide?
You may observe common influenza like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide Gas inhalation with features like: -
- regular incidences of head aches
- balance problems
- little energy
- sickness
A CORGI certified service plumber should be brought in to scrutinize your gas appliances if you discover these signs in your home. Whilst waiting for the plumber to come you should see to it that you have opened up the windows and everyone has left the house.