What is it and why is it dangerous?

Fossil fuels (wood, coal, gasoline and natural gas) need oxygen to burn. When there is not enough oxygen, combustion is not complete and carbon monoxide (CO) is formed.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-irritant and highly toxic. If inhaled in large quantities it can cause irreversible brain damage and even death.
dangerous, it is known as the “silent killer”. It accounts for 50% of poisonings in the world and it is the most common cause of death by poisoning. But all accidents involving carbon monoxide, whatever their cause, are preventable by following some simple guidelines.

Tips and prevention

Maintenance and installation

Ventilation

Precautions

Dos and don'ts

  • Have a registered gas installer regularly check your gas appliances and the condition of flues and ventilation grills.
  • Be careful when checking gas installations in homes that have been empty for prolonged periods, such as those in tourist areas.
  • Only registered gas installers may carry out or modify your gas installation. To identify them, ask them for their Camuzzi-issued license.
  • Any new installation or modification of an existing installation must be done by a registered gas installer and reported to Camuzzi.
  • A carbon monoxide detector alarm can offer additional protection but is no substitute for proper installation, use and maintenance of gas appliances.
  • Gas appliances need to expel combustion residue outside. Gas vents should be suitably designed: totally separate from other leak-tight pipes, free from obstructions and with an outlet into the open air
  • Appliances need oxygen from the room to produce efficient, safe combustion, so it is vital that ventilation grilles work properly.
  • Maintain permanent ventilation in rooms where there are gas appliances without flueing flue or a natural draught. Avoid staying in totally closed rooms.
  • Pay particular attention in winter, when heating is used and ventilation tends to be minimal.
  • Watch out for stains, soot or discoloration on or around appliances. This may be an indication of incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide build-up.
  • The flame of the burner in gas appliances should be blue with transparent edges. If it turns yellow or orange, call a registered gas installer immediately. When lit there should be no part that remains unlit or takes too long to become completely lit.
  • During prolonged absences, turn off the gas at the stopcock.
  • When the burner is on full, the flame should be stable, without fluctuations in its size.
  • In closed rooms appliances should preferably have a balanced flue.
  • Appliances that do not have a balanced flue cannot be installed in all rooms.
  • Natural draught boilers and heaters and infrared heaters must not be used in bathrooms or bedrooms, due to their high oxygen consumption.
  • Do not use burners or the oven to heat the house. They consume a lot of oxygen and generate carbon monoxide if malfunctioning.
  • Do not use charcoal or coal for heating or cooking in a closed room. Solid fuels generate the most carbon monoxide.

First aid

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to those of flu or an upset stomach: headache, nausea, vertigo, confusion, vomiting and breathlessness. How serious the symptoms are depends on exposure time and the build-up in the room, and in serious cases it may even cause death.

What to do in the event of CO poisoning
  • The first thing you should do is act quickly to get the poisoned person breathing. Open windows and doors to quickly ventilate the place.
  • Call an ambulance immediately.
  • Remove the poisoned person quickly from the contaminated room and take them into the open air or to a well-ventilated place.
  • Lay them on the floor in a comfortable position and keep them warm. Loosen tight clothing such as ties, shirts or belts.
  • If the person cannot breathe by themselves, apply artificial respiration until they can be transferred to a healthcare center, as quickly as possible.