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Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, poisonous gas which is given off when fuel is not burning properly.

If you smell gas, please phone 0115 915 2222, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why is carbon monoxide (CO) a problem?

All fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood are completely safe if they are burning properly. When they do not, they can give off carbon monoxide (often referred to as CO.

The problem is you may not know you are suffering from CO poisoning until it is too late. It can kill without warning if too much CO enters your bloodtream. Levels that do not kill can leave you paralysed or with brain damage. This is why it is so important to have your gas boiler, fires and cooker checked regularly. According to the Health and Safety Executive, around 20 people every year die from poisoning.

What causes CO?

• a gas or other appliance that is not burning fuel properly. Your fire may be buring more yellow than normal (for some fuel effect fires this may actually be a normal colour). There may be soot or staining around your appliance.
• inadequate ventilation such as blocked up vents, a pilot light that keeps blowing out or increased condensation inside your house or room where the appliance is

What are the symptons of CO poisoning?

If you have CO poisoning, you may have any of the following:

• headaches
• breathlessness
• nausea
• dizziness
• loss of consciousness
• tiredness
• drowsiness
• vomiting
• pains in the chest
• stomach pains
• erratic behaviour
• visual problems

What if I think I may have CO poisoning or I think someone else has?

• leave the property immediately
• seek medical attention
• call the Repairs Contact Centre