CO Warning to people returning to homes in flood-hit areas

20 November 2009

George Kowalczyk, Regional Toxicologist with HPA North West, said: "Use of these devices inside the home can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which can be fatal, which evidence suggests is the biggest single acute chemical risk to people in flood-hit areas.

"If people are in a position where they have to use such devices, I would strongly recommend that they do so out-of-doors. In circumstances where people feel that they really have no alternative but to use these appliances inside the home, then I would suggest that the devices should only be used for as short a time as possible in well ventilated rooms with windows open.

"These appliances should never be used by the public to heat or dry out rooms."

Mr. Kowalczyk said that anyone who experiences dizziness, headaches or disorientation whilst using any outdoor gas appliance or generator should switch it off immediately, go outside and seek medical advice.

"Even using normal gas, oil or wood-fired central heating and domestic gas fires to heat or dry out homes that have been affected by flood-water is not without its risks," said Mr. Kowalczyk.

"It is natural that people returning home to damp-affected houses will be tempted to leave the central heating running continually to dry out and heat the premises, but before doing so it is essential to check that flues, air vents and air bricks are not blocked. Otherwise even normal central heating may produce carbon monoxide. Gas appliances and flues should be checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, whilst other fossil-fuelled appliances and flues should be checked by a suitably qualified and appropriately registered engineer."

Further general health advice in relation to flooding is available on the HPA website at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/flooding

Last reviewed: 20 November 2009