Brits are being warned to watch for symptoms appearing at home that could indicate a silent killer. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has cautioned that approximately 20 people die annually in England and Wales from this lethal hazard, which becomes more prevalent during winter months.
In a recent statement from the UKHSA, the public have been urged to remain alert to carbon monoxide poisoning. The danger increases during autumn and winter as people spend longer periods indoors with heating systems running.
The UKHSA stated: “As the weather turns colder and we close our windows and turn on our heating, there’s an invisible danger that can leak into our homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that you cannot see, smell or taste – but it can kill.
“Around 20 people die each year in England and Wales from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, with many more hospitalised.”
The agency noted that in England roughly 68% of all carbon monoxide fatalities happen in autumn and winter.
This is linked to the dual factors of using heating equipment and keeping windows shut more frequently. The UKHSA explained: “This combination – more potentially malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances in use and less ventilation can create the perfect conditions for CO to build up to dangerous levels.”
Compact spaces containing CO sources, such as fuel-burning cookers and fireplaces, pose particular risks, as the gas accumulates more rapidly in enclosed areas.
Symptoms
The UKHSA stated: “Because carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell, recognising the symptoms is crucial.”
It noted that these symptoms may appear intermittently. “An important warning sign is symptoms coming and going, especially if they get worse when you’re in a particular room or building and improve when you leave or go outside,” it said. “If you notice this pattern, it could indicate a CO problem.”
Signs to look out for include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling weak
- Confusion
- Chest and muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
What are the sources of carbon monoxide?
The UKHSA cautions that common household appliances can emit carbon monoxide if “they’re not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained”. These include:
- Gas boilers
- Stoves burning wood, kerosene, natural gas, or propane
- Heaters using wood, oil, or natural gas
- Using portable generators and barbecues or camping stoves inside homes, caravans or tents potentially poses a risk for CO poisoning
How to protect yourself
There are several “straightforward” measures you can implement to safeguard yourself and your loved ones:
- Install CO alarms
- Use ventilation wisely
- Service your appliances annually
- Watch for warning signs – “floppy” yellow or orange flames on gas appliances instead of crisp blue ones, soot marks around appliances, or increased condensation inside windows can all indicate a problem
If you suspect a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, immediately call the free National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The UKHSA stated: “Every carbon monoxide death is preventable. As we head into the colder months when risk is highest, take time this week to check your CO alarms, book appliance services if they’re due, and make sure everyone in your household knows the symptoms to watch for. These simple actions could save your life or the life of someone you love.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
