Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal.
Carbon-based fuels are safe to use - it's only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.
Appliances leaking carbon monoxide
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are similar to many common illnesses and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever).
If you believe you or your family may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should get urgent medical advice by contacting your doctor or visiting an Accident and Emergency department.
For more information, visit the NHS website or call NHS Direct on tel: 111.
You should also:
- switch off the appliance and don't use it again until it is checked
- contact the Housing Repairs Team to arrange for a gas engineer to check the appliance
In a medical emergency don't delay, call 999.
Protect against carbon monoxide
Never try to service your own fuel burning appliance. You should always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to install and service your gas cooker and appliances. It is important to have your gas safety check every year.
Install CO detectors, making sure they are not covered by curtains or furniture.
Also see
Housing Repairs
Telephone: 01904 551550 (option 4, option 1)
Housing Repairs - Out of hours emergencies
Telephone: 01904 630405 or 01904 427699