What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas with no colour, smell, or taste.
Carbon monoxide (also known by its chemical symbol, CO) is a highly poisonous gas. It has no colour, no smell, no taste and is often called ‘the silent killer’.
It can be produced by any fuel when burned — coal, turf, oil, gas, wood. It doesn’t just occur at home— it can be produced anywhere fuel is being burned: caravans, tents, mobile homes, boats, etc.
Carbon monoxide can enter spaces where:
- You have a faulty appliance
- Your appliance hasn’t been maintained
- The room is not properly ventilated
- The chimney or flue is blocked
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be like those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. However, if anyone in your house has any of the following symptoms when using a gas appliance, turn it off and contact your doctor:
- Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
- Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains
- Sudden dizziness when standing up
- General lethargy
Stop using the appliance immediately and don’t use it again until it’s been checked by a Registered Gas Installer or a qualified service engineer.
For more information on carbon monoxide, see gasnetworks.ie.
In case of a gas emergency, call Gas Networks Ireland 24-hour emergency number 1800 20 50 50.