A major source of exposure to carbon monoxide is from faulty, incorrectly installed, or poorly ventilated, cooking or heating appliances which use fossil fuels (such as gas, oil and coal). It is important to have all cooking and heating appliances that use fossil fuels installed and serviced regularly by a suitably qualified, reputable and registered engineer (see below), and to make sure that rooms in which they are used are adequately ventilated.

Fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European Standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291) will help to protect you from exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide. The alarm may not go off if you are being exposed to lower levels of carbon monoxide so it should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances.

If you think you are being exposed to carbon monoxide, you should stop using all your heating and cooking appliances. Move away from the source of exposure (for example a faulty domestic appliance) to a well-ventilated area, open your windows and move outside. When people are removed from the source of carbon monoxide exposure, their symptoms usually subside.

If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and feel unwell or are worried call NHSDirect on 0845 46 47, or in an emergency call 999.

• Frequently asked questions on carbon monoxide
  Information on carbon monoxide, how you may be exposed and its health effects.
• Department of Health leaflet on carbon monoxide
  Leaflet aimed at members of the public on carbon monoxide; available in 12 languages.
• Be Carbon Monoxide Aware, Wherever You Are (PDF, 105 KB) 
  

  Leaflet from the HPA on carbon monoxide, including symptoms, potential sources both in the home and elsewhere, and important points to be aware of wherever you are, at any time of year.

• The dangers of carbon monoxide and burning charcoal indoors
  Charcoal burning barbeques, grills and burners should not be used indoors as they produce carbon monoxide.
• Carbon Monoxide Awareness
  Charity supporting victims of carbon monoxide poisoning and their familes and friends.
• CO and Gas Safety Society
  Charity working to reduce accidents from carbon monoxide poisoning and other gas dangers.

Installation and servicing of appliances

• Gas appliances
  Gas appliances in your home should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe (previously CORGI) registered engineer.
  Find a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer: http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
  HSE Gas Safety Line: 0800 300 363 www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/index.htm 
  CORGI helpline: 0800 915 0480 www.trustcorgi.com

• Solid fuel
  Solid Fuel Association (SFA) helpline: 0845 601 4406
  Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) general number: 0845 634 5626
  Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) helpline: 0845 658 5080

• Chimneys
  Chimneys and flues should be swept from top to bottom at least once a year by a qualified sweep and should not be blocked.
  National Association of Chimney Sweeps
  The Guild of Master Sweeps

 

Disclaimer: The external websites listed above are not under the control of the Health Protection Agency, and the Agency is not responsible for their content. These links do not serve as an endorsement by the Health Protection Agency, they are provided solely for the convenience of our users.

 

 

* (range 25-45 between 2006-2011) Source - Office for National Statistics 2012

 

• The dangers of carbon monoxide and burning charcoal indoors
  Charcoal burning barbeques, grills and burners should not be used indoors as they produce carbon monoxide.
  Added/updated: 15 June 2010