Vanessa
Robinson put both of her sons to bed for the last time on May
30th 2010, her two sons Chase and Tyler never woke from that sleep, they
were poisoned from carbon monoxide spilling from a faulty gas heater. I
have been in touch with Vanessa since hearing of her loss and as my way
of helping her foundation spread the word I would like to provide some information on what carbon monoxide is and how it can be caused in gas appliances.
If
you feel that you would like a gas appliance checked for being safe or a
gas appliance servicing then please call Gareth at GT Plumbing and Gas Services
on 0416957760 , I will advise on the
installation, if the gas appliance needs servicing and if it looks like
the appliance is producing carbon monoxide. If the appliance checks out
fine from all the tests I also have an electronic carbon monoxide
detector to prove that you really do not have anything to worry about.
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous and highly flammable gas
produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas,
oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when
the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is
poisonous.
When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.
You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. Every
year around 11 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances
and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are
poorly ventilated.
Levels
that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a
long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused
as a result of prolonged exposure to CO.
Increasing
public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible
precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.
There
are signs that you can look out for which indicate incomplete
combustion is occurring and may result in the production of CO;
- Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except decorative fuel effect fires which display this colour flame)
- Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out
- Increased condensation inside windows
There are a number of simple steps that gas consumers can take to keep themselves safe.
Carbon
Monoxide can be produced by any combustion appliance, including those
that burn fossil fuels e.g. oil, wood and coal. If you have one of these
appliances you should make sure that it is serviced and maintained by a
competent person and the chimney is regularly swept.
Early
symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common
ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral
infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include:
- headaches or dizziness
- breathlessness
- nausea
- loss of consciousness
- tiredness
- pains in the chest or stomach
- erratic behaviour
- visual problems
If
you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you
may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent
medical advice from either your Doctor or an A&E department.
If you feel you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and you are feeling the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning then you must;
- Switch off the appliance and shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
- Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room
- Visit your Doctor and tell him/her that you believe your may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
- Remember
gas appliance servicing may be needed in the gas appliances in your
home, check over your appliances and if in any doubt then call your Tamborine plumber and gas fitter Gareth at GT Plumbing and Gas Services.
