Carbon Monoxide: Detection, Prevention, and Safety

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels — gas, oil, LPG, wood, coal — burn incompletely. A correctly functioning, well-maintained appliance produces very little CO. But a faulty, poorly adjusted, or poorly ventilated appliance can produce dangerous levels. CO is colourless, odourless, and tasteless — you cannot detect it by smell, sight, or taste. Each year in the UK, approximately 60 people die from accidental CO poisoning, and thousands more are treated.

Sources of Risk in the Home

Any fuel-burning appliance can be a source: gas boilers, gas fires and cookers, oil boilers, wood-burning stoves, open fires, and portable generators. Blocked flues or chimneys are a particularly common cause — birds or debris can obstruct a flue, causing CO to back-draft into a room.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

CO poisoning mimics flu but without a raised temperature:

If symptoms improve when you leave the building, or if multiple people are affected simultaneously, suspect CO immediately.

What to Do

1. Leave the property immediately — take children and pets

2. Do not switch any electrical equipment on or off

3. Call 999 and the Gas Emergency line: 0800 111 999

4. Seek medical attention — tell doctors you suspect CO exposure

Prevention

Halo Heating's annual boiler service includes a full combustion analysis and CO check. Call 01483 676108.