Carbon monoxide: what you need to know
This gas is formed during the incomplete combustion of wood, coal, fuel oil or gas, or fuels.
- It is poisonous and flammable.
- It also has the particularity of being odorless and colorless: it does not smell and cannot be seen.
These characteristics make carbon monoxide a dangerous gas, responsible for hundreds of poisonings a year.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to the blood in place of oxygen. Dizziness and nausea are among the first symptoms, but it can also lead to coma and death of the intoxicated person.
Île-de-France is the region most affected by these situations of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Which facilities can emit carbon monoxide?
Heating and cooking appliances or generators that use wood, gas, coal or gasoline can emit carbon monoxide. This happens when the device is misused, or when it fails.
Among these devices and installations:
- fireplace inserts;
- stoves (wood, pellet, gas, etc.);
- wood, gas, coal or fuel oil boilers;
- wood, coal or gas stoves;
- water heaters or gas bath heaters;
- fixed or mobile auxiliary gas or wood heaters;
- generators powered by gasoline or fuel oil.
We must also add to this list automotive engines. Or even heating or cooking appliances intended for outdoor use and which are used in a confined space: brazier, barbecue….
What precautions should be taken to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is most dangerous in confined spaces such as homes, apartments, or garages.
Identify situations that can cause poisoning
Whatever the device or the type of heating or cooking installation, several factors are risk factors.
- a poor smoke evacuation combustion (an obstructed chimney, a flue with insufficient flow, etc.);
- of the poorly maintained appliances and whose settings are not checked regularly, such as boilers for example;
- a outdated facility and which has not been checked or refurbished;
- machines used indoors when they are intended for outdoor use (brazier or generator in particular);
- devices of Faulty auxiliary heatermisused or left running all day and night: wood or oil stove for example.
To prevent poisoning, control and properly use the devices
Perform regular maintenance
Protecting yourself against the risk of an accident begins with a annual check heating, cooking or back-up appliances, especially before winter. It is even an obligation for oil, gas, wood or coal boilers.
The maintenance of these devices must be carried out by a professional.
Sweep ducts or chimneys
The flue gas exhaust pipes (chimney, boiler or stove) must be cleaned once a year by a qualified professional: this intervention is also a legal obligation.
Ventilate your house or apartment regularly
Even during the winter, remember to ventilate your home once or twice a day, at least for 10 minutes. It also allows you to fight against humidity and benefit from better air quality. The air outlets (VMC, ventilation grilles, etc.) must not be obstructed.
Respect the conditions of use of the devices
Auxiliary gas or kerosene appliances are intended for a occasional use : it is recommended not to leave them running permanently. Also remember to check the conditions of use of the device before switching it on, checking that it can be used indoors or in a confined space.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: symptoms and health risks
Better identify the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Several signs should alert you to possible poisoning.
- headache ;
- dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- important fatigue ;
- consciousness disorders which can lead to loss of consciousness or coma;
- stiffness of limbs;
- convulsions…
These symptoms may come on suddenly, if acute poisoning. Additional symptoms suggest a chronic poisoning in the case of less strong but prolonged exposure to the gas:
- shortness of breath;
- disturbances in sleep, smell, taste, memory or attention;
- confusion mentale ;
- chest, abdominal or muscle pain…
What are the health risks?
Severe poisoning has significant neurological and cardiac sequelae for the victim:
- heart and respiratory disorders;
- chronic migraines;
- impaired intellectual performance;
- visual and hearing loss…
Chez the pregnant womancarbon monoxide poisoning also leads to an increased risk of fetal mortality, or damage to its proper development.