How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Every home should have one or more carbon monoxide alarms located in any rooms with appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal such as gas boilers, cooking appliances and coal fires.
You should also ensure that you are maintaining your boiler with a gas-safe engineer every year. This ensures that your boiler is running as it should and not leaking any gas. All heating and cooking appliances should be installed properly and well maintained. All chimneys and flues should also be kept clear and well maintained.
If you believe that you may have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, please call 111 as soon as possible, however, if you are finding it hard to breathe, have suddenly become confused or someone loses consciousness, call 999 straight away.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may come and go. They may also get worse when you spend more time in an affected room or building and improve when you leave the area or go outside. These symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling weak
- Confusion
- Chest and muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
- Immediately stop using any appliances you believe could be making carbon monoxide and turn them off if possible.
- Open any windows or doors to let the gas out.
- Leave the room or area as soon as possible.
- Seek medical advice, and do not go into the affected area again until you have been advised that it is safe to do so.