Carbon monoxide or CO is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas. It is produced through the incomplete burning of ANY fossil fuel, including oil, gas or coal. Other significant causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are vehicle exhausts, smoke inhalation from fires and incidents in industrial or commercial settings.
Under normal circumstances where combustion occurs, oxygen and carbon combine to produce carbon dioxide which is perfectly safe to breathe in. If there is a lack of air for the complete combustion process to take place or an appliance is faulty, this can cause carbon monoxide to be produced.
Dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide can accumulate at home as a result of any or a combination of the following:
- Faulty or damaged heating or cooking appliances
- Appliances not serviced or maintained
- Rooms not properly ventilated
- Blocked chimneys or flues
- Poor installation of heating appliances
- Property alterations or home improvements that reduce ventilation or block chimneys or flues
- Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
- Improper operation of appliances such as using cooking appliances for heating purposes or using barbeques indoors.
- The operation of petrol driven mobile generators indoors
Carbon monoxide has no taste and smell and once inhaled combines with the blood preventing it from absorbing oxygen. If a person is exposed to carbon monoxide over a period, it can cause illness and even death.
Read more: What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
