Carbon Monoxide

This is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas which is produced by any fossil fuel burning device such as gas, coal, oil, wood, and charcoal.

Exposure to high indoor levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal, while exposure to lower levels can result in symptoms that resemble flu, viral infections, or food poisoning. Headache, tiredness, difficulty in thinking clearly and feeling sick are the most common symptoms. Drowsiness, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pains may also be experienced. Prolonged exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time can cause serious long-lasting harm to health.

An audible carbon monoxide detector should be in every room that has a fossil fuel burning device and it should be certified to British Standard BSEN 50291-1.