How to prevent and protect yourself from Carbon monoxide

We talk about it every year - this generates thousands of victims. Let’s focus a bit on this nasty gas.

Carbon monoxide definition:

Carbon monoxide is an undetectable asphyxiant gas. Indeed, it is invisible, odorless and not irritating. It mixes with the air without worry since they have almost the same density. So no way to notice his presence! Vilain.

🔬 How is carbon monoxide formed?

Warning – this is where you get your Physics and Chemistry books out.

Carbon monoxide (also called CO) is formed when there is incomplete combustion of carbonaceous material. Let me explain. Carbon monoxide is created when organic materials (gas, wood) catch fire under conditions where the oxygen supply is not sufficient. Actually, carbon monoxide (CO) is a non-complete and asphyxiating version of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of death from intoxication in France. In 2017, we count 3,354 poisoned people, and around 100 deaths. 

How carbon monoxide acts on the body

Through the lungs, carbon monoxide attaches to red blood cells, and prevents them from properly carrying oxygen into the body. 

As a result, your body is running out of oxygen, which is no longer transported or assimilated. This gas is diffused very quickly and can sometimes be fatal in less than an hour.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Take note of the main symptoms:

• headache
• tiredness
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness -even loss of consciousness
• coma (rarer, about 3% of cases according to the INPS)

80% of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in private dwellings.

The main culprit? Your boiler 🔥 

Which devices produce carbon monoxide?

🕵️ Keep a close eye on all heating or cooking appliances that apply with the following:

• gas
• woods
• coal
• to gasoline
• fuel
• ethanol

When they do not work properly, they can produce carbon monoxide.

Some appliances, if used indoors, can also produce carbon monoxide:

• brazier
• barbecue
• generator
• a car or motorcycle engine
• some DIY devices

1. Ventilate housing by opening doors and windows

2. Turn off heating and cooking appliances that either run on gas or wood. One of them is probably responsible for the release of carbon monoxide!

3. Leave your home as soon as possible so you do not have to be exposed any longer. Do not stay in the stairwell, really go outside the building.

4. Call for rescue 🚒 (18 = firefighters, 15 = UAS)

To avoid danger, here are 5 tips:

1. Before each winter, have your heaters checked

Call a qualified professional. He will come to check your heating, hot water and flue systems and he can give you a certificate of conformity / safety

2. Install a carbon monoxide detector

This is a small box that is fixed in its housing to analyze the ambient air. Too much carbon monoxide in the air? He starts ringing to alert you. Simple, basic: it would be a shame to deprive oneself of it.

3. Ventilate your home daily for at least 10 minutes

Even if it is cold outside ❄️ Beyond carbon monoxide, it is strongly recommended to air every day its home to renew the air. In fact, the indoor air is more polluted than the outside air. In addition, it allows to have a drier air, and therefore easier to heat.

4. Do not block the air inlets, outlets and ventilation system

These systems (VMC) are made to renewing the air of your home. Remember, you need oxygen to breathe;) Also be careful that your ventilation systems are in good condition (not too much dust). They are most frequently found in your bathroom or kitchen.

5. Follow the rules of the devices at risk

• Auxiliary heating: they definitely shouldn’t work permanently. 2h maximum, otherwise danger of carbon monoxide! 
• Do not use as additional heating appliances not intended for this purpose –think of a stove, a brazier or a barbecue (barbecue is summer)
• Generator: install them outside
• Car / motorcycle engine: do not run them too long in your garage
• No painted wood or varnish in the wood stove
• No barbecue or indoor brazier.