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Carbon monoxide poisoning

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Carbon monoxide poisoning (Contd)

Written by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP

Prevention is always better than cure

The best course of action is to take steps that prevent carbon monoxide becoming a problem in the first place.

Raise the general awareness of the risks associated with carbon monoxide by communicating the relevant information to friends, family and work colleagues.

Be aware of the sources of carbon monoxide especially in domestic properties where a number of appliances could be responsible.

Get appliances professionally installed and regularly serviced to ensure they work efficiently and safely.

Ensure adequate ventilation for all fuel burning appliances.

Install monitoring devices for the early detection of excess carbon monoxide.

Recognise the early signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly when more than one family or work member is affected, and seek medical advice promptly.

How do you measure carbon monoxide levels?

Carbon monoxide levels can be measured either in the environment or in the blood. The latter is usually performed in a hospital setting to check how much carbon monoxide (in the form of carboxyhaemoglobin) there is present in the blood. There are also ways by which carbon monoxide levels can be monitored in the home or office.

Carbon monoxide monitors Carbon monoxide detectors are available from most local hardware and DIY stores. They can provide an audible high-pitched alarm when high levels of carbon monoxide are detected or provide an alarm plus a digital display of the concentration of carbon monoxide detected in units of 'parts per million' (ppm).

Three types of carbon monoxide detectors are available.

Chem-optical (gel cell) technology Chem-optical technology (or gel cell or biomimetic technology) alarms use a type of sensor that simulates haemoglobin in the blood.

Electrochemical alarm

Electrochemical alarms work by converting the carbon monoxide electrochemically to carbon dioxide, which generates an electrical current that is taken as a measure of the gas concentration. Electrochemical alarms are usually powered by a battery lasting about five years.

Semiconductor technology

These alarms use semiconductors or tin dioxide technology to detect carbon monoxide levels. Unlike the alarms above, semiconductor detector alarms do not require any replacement sensors.

What to do if the alarm sounds

It is essential to read the instruction manual accompanying the detector as it provides important information on where to place it, how to use it and what to do if the alarm goes off. It will also contain important information about the levels of carbon monoxide detected and the risks associated with varying levels. The manual should be placed somewhere (ideally near the detector) so it can be accessed quickly in the event of an emergency. The following are some general points to bear in mind.

If your alarm goes off and you have a detector that displays the amount of carbon monoxide detected, make a mental note of what the reading states. Pick up the instruction manual but take it outside the house to read it.

Check whether you or any other family member is affected by any of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue). If carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are suspected, everyone should vacate the house and call for medical assistance. Dial 999 for an ambulance if necessary.

If no one has any symptoms of poisoning, promptly turn off all gas or other fuel burning appliances. Ventilate the whole house by opening all windows and doors.

Contact a professional appliance specialist, eg British Gas or other CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered gas specialists, to check your appliances.

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