Danger Signs & Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Danger signs to look out for around gas and other fuel-burning appliances include:
- Sooting, yellow or brown staining on or around walls, ceiling or below the appliance.
- Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.
- Lazy yellow or orange coloured gas flame, rather than a sharp blue one Note: gas log fires have yellow flames for a decorative effect.
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
- Peeling paint above the appliance.
- Sooting flecks on the ground and underneath appliance.
- Read more at ESV.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
In short, carbon monoxide causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. Therefore, knowing what to look out for is the first step in combating CO poisoning. For instance:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Visual problems
- Pains in the chest or stomach
- Disorientation
- Erratic behaviour
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
How does Co Poisoning affect people?
Effects can vary considerably, depending on a person’s age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. For instance, if inhaled at damaging levels, carbon monoxide can cause:
- Breathing difficulties
- Impaired judgment and memory
- Damage to the nervous system
- Cardiac trauma
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Death
Long-term effects caused by CO exposure
However, effects produced by exposure to CO are mostly reversible. However, extensive and significant overexposure can cause permanent damage, and is most likely to occur in the nervous system. In sum, these effects can include:
- Loss of memory
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Acute renal failure
- Mental deterioration
- Learning disabilities
- Instability when walking
What do I do if I’m worried about my gas heater?
Have a look at what is involved when booking a gas heater check up with Rapid Cold here!
Contact Rapid Cold to discuss your options for heating. Call today for a free no obligation quote!
