Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of accidental poisoning in the United Kingdom. It is a colourless, odourless gas which, when inhaled, particularly indoors, can kill in a matter of hours. Although it is present naturally in the atmosphere from volcanic activity, forest fires and natural gases found underground in coalmines, personal exposure to it arises, as well, through smoking and being very near to points of discharge associated with industrial emissions. Whilst smoking is influenced by personal choice, industrial releases are regulated under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (I.P.P.C.) system such that personal exposure is as small as possible.*
If general, personal, environmental exposure to carbon monoxide is intensified by exposure to it indoors, tragedies of accidental poisoning can occur. Potential, indoor sources of carbon monoxide are appliances that are not working properly, such as:
The effect can be further heightened if:
Certain groups in society are especially vulnerable to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. These include:
Nevertheless, those who are fit and active can also suffer from poisoning symptoms and have been involved in tragedies – so, basically, if exposure occurs, everyone can be affected.
If reading this has raised doubts about the condition of the appliances and flues in your home (particularly after moving into a new home), you, yourself (if the homeowner), should have the appliance properly checked out by a qualified and experienced service engineer or technician such as a CORGI Registered Gas engineer.
If you live in a tenanted home or stay in other accommodation like a hostel, bed and breakfast, holiday let or hotel, your landlord or provider of accommodation should arrange this for you as he/she has legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and through the Management of Health and Safety Regulations. Records and Risk Assessments should be available to advise you what practical measures are being implemented. If in doubt, ask. Information is available from the Health and Safety Executive and other websites.
Once a check on the appliances and flues has been carried out satisfactorily, it is recommended, for future peace of mind, that you purchase a simple carbon monoxide monitor, obtainable from reputable hardware stores. This can be placed in the room of your home near the appliance concerned.
Ideally, in time, such monitors may be just as common place in our homes as are smoke detectors, today.
If you have any inquiries or need further information, please contact the Council’s Environmental Services Directorate on 0161 770 3447.
*You may wish to know that the I.P.P.C system is regulated by the Environment Agency and Local Councils who assess all environmental impacts, where the Health Protection Agency along with many other bodies and individual communities are consulted about process operations.