Are You at Risk From a Silent Killer?

Carbon Monoxide is a gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless so it is often very difficult to know if you are at threat from withing your home. Basically, carbon monoxide can result in straving the body of oxygen that is necessary for life as it is absorbed by the red blood cells in preference to oxygen.

If you are exposed to low emissions of this dangerous gas, it will show itself in symptoms like headache, drowsiness, dizziness and feelings of nausea. Greater exposure can lead to coma and eventual death as the brain is starved of oxygen. When someone falls victim to carbon monoxide poisoning, they need oxygen administered urgently before asphyxiation sets in due to oxygen starvation.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

The most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are from home appliances that emit carbon monoxide, especially gas fires. How can you protect yourself from this silent killer? If you are having new appliances fitted, make sure this work is carried out by a qualified tradesman who holds the appropriate qualifications. For appliances you already have, make sure they are checked regularly by an expert. Look for signs yourself. If you see a yellow flame in your gas fire, see this a warning and stop using the appliance and have it inspected.

You can further protect yourself and the safety of your family by investing in a simple carbon monoxide alarm that will alert you to emissions of this gas in much the same way as a smoke alarm will with fire. Carbon monoxide has proved to be a silent killer in numerous situations. Take precautions and do not let this killer into your home.