Man sleeping on sofa in front of a wood burning stove at home

 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 is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.

You can’t see it. You can’t taste it. You can’t smell it, but carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a few hours.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

You and your family are most at risk when you are asleep. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often confused with flu because symptoms can include:

  • severe headaches
  • chest or stomach pains
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • nausea
  • dizziness 
  • feeling very tired
  • loss of memory

These symptoms could be less severe when you’re away from the source of the CO.  If this is the case you may have a carbon monoxide leak, and should immediately ask a qualified professional to check appliances and seek medical advice.

Top tips to keep your home safe

Schedule an annual inspection for gas cooking appliances conducted by a certified engineer.

Prioritise the installation of gas and solid fuel appliances by professionals registered with a Gas Safe or HETAS registered engineer, and ensure these appliances are regularly maintained and your chimney is swept.

Install a good quality carbon monoxide alarm in every room that fuel is burned in, and make sure to test it regularly to ensure it is still working properly. Install CO alarms high up in the room, avoiding placement above heat or steam sources.

Don’t block vents as these are needed to allow enough fresh air into the room, and don’t block gas flues, vents, airbricks, or chimneys as these take away burnt gases and dangerous fumes from the appliances.

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What should I do if my CO alarm goes off?

If you think there is a gas leak or carbon monoxide problem, or if you hear a CO alarm sound, you should follow these steps.

  • TURN OFF the appliance where possible
  • TURN OFF the gas at the meter
  • OPEN ALL doors and windows
  • DO NOT use electrical switches
  • DO NOT smoke
  • DO NOT light matches or lighters
  • DO NOT use a mobile phone
  • Leave the house and seek medical advice – if you're showing symptoms of CO poisoning, contact a doctor or call 999 for an ambulance.
  • Call the relevant helpline for the fuel type: gas emergency helpline 0800 111 999.
  • Get your appliances serviced – dangerous levels of carbon monoxide need to be dealt with as soon as possible.