Carbon monoxide (CO) - The 'silent' killer

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that is produced when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, LPG,
charcoal and wood are not burned efficiently. It can be produced from poorly maintained or badly fitted domestic heating appliances such as boilers, wall heaters, wood burners, blocked flues or exhaust vents. Other possible signs of a CO leak include black, sooty marks on the front covers of gas fires, sooty marks on the walls around boilers, stoves or fires, smoke building up in rooms due to a faulty flue and yellow instead of blue flames coming from gas appliances.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is sometimes referred to as the 'silent killer'. In the UK, more than 50 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and 200 people are left seriously ill. It is very important to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to look out for warning signs. A headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, other symptoms include sickness, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing - all of which can easily be misdiagnosed as flu or food poisoning. If you suspect CO2 poisoning get the affected person into fresh air as soon as possible and phone for an ambulance. The affected person will need oxygen therapy urgently.

Protecting your family and yourself

The best way of protecting your family will be aware of the dangers and identify any appliances in your caravan that may potentially leak carbon monoxide. Make sure that all appliances are maintained and regularly serviced. Installing a CO alarm will detect a carbon monoxide leak in your house and give out a high-pitched noise when levels of the gas are high. A CO alarm is an important caravan accessory.

CO2 Alarms

It is therefore important to protect your family and home with a carbon monoxide alarm. An audible carbon monoxide alarm is a good way to ensure you're immediately alerted to any carbon monoxide in your home, therefore the only safe way to know if carbon monoxide is present is to install carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. For those that spend time in their caravan, having discovered the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning, it stands to reason that it is essential to have an alarm fitted. The Kidde CO2 Alarm meets all the requirements of a safe and reliable alarm, easily fitted and affordable. It is also possible to buy alarms that detect LPG and ether gas as well as CO2. The Trio gas alarm will detect all three gases.
Always be sure to test your alarm regularly using the test button and replace batteries annually or when the low battery signal sounds.