Carbon monoxide poisoning: FIVE symptoms that could be triggered by a DEADLY boiler leak
CARBON monoxide poisoning can prove deadly. Here are the five symptoms you’re being exposed to a leak.
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Carbon monoxide poisoning affects four people every day in the UK, and knowing the symptoms could save your life.
It is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood don't burn fully, according to the NHS.
These are sources of fuel used in many household appliances, such as boilers, and if carbon monoxide leaks within the home it could cause brain damage or death.
Indeed, breathing in carbon monoxide could poison someone and become deadly within just a few minutes.
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Exposure to carbon monoxide is the most common cause of lethal poisoning worldwide
However, worryingly Britons know very little about carbon monoxide leaks within the home, according to new research conducted by Certas Energy.
They discovered that two-fifths of people do not have a carbon monoxide detector in their home, and 58 per cent admitted they would not be able to spot the signs of a leak.
“Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritant and therefore undetectable gas, yet it is a killer,” said Dr Sarah Brewer from ExpertHealthReviews.com.
“Exposure to carbon monoxide is the most common cause of lethal poisoning worldwide and can affect anyone in a confined space contaminated with fumes.”
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Of the 1,000 residents surveyed, as many as 45 per cent of people incorrectly identified the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The five main symptoms to look out for include:
- Tension-type headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
“You may feel like you have food poisoning or ‘flu, but without a temperature,” warned Dr Brewer.
“These symptoms will gradually get worse if you continue breathing the carbon monoxide, but will improve on breathing fresh air.
“Other people in the same environment will be affected too.”
She recommended that if you think you have been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, see your GP.
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However, she said if you begin to suffer from symptoms, you should go straight to your local A&E department.
A blood test will then be able to confirm exposure, and oxygen treatment will be given.
If you are poisoned while asleep, you may lose consciousness before you are able to get help.
For that reason, having a carbon monoxide detector fitted is crucial.
