Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which is produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fossil fuels, including fuel gas. When CO gets into the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs.
In the UK approximately 40 people die every year from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained. A recent report by gas watchdog, Corgi, found that 50 people had died between January 2006 and April 2007 from CO poisoning, an increase of 48%.
In the US a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report revealed "...during 2004 an estimated 162 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths...and 154 fatalities in 2003...although there can be multiple factors contributing to a CO poisoning fatality, the source of CO is virtually always a fuel-burning product".
Many others also suffer ill health. This risk could be dramatically reduced by increasing awareness and understanding of the risks and taking sensible precautions.
Fuel gas is safe to use. It is only when gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly without warning.
In the UK approximately 40 people die every year from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained. A recent report by gas watchdog, Corgi, found that 50 people had died between January 2006 and April 2007 from CO poisoning, an increase of 48%.
In the US a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report revealed "...during 2004 an estimated 162 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths...and 154 fatalities in 2003...although there can be multiple factors contributing to a CO poisoning fatality, the source of CO is virtually always a fuel-burning product".
Many others also suffer ill health. This risk could be dramatically reduced by increasing awareness and understanding of the risks and taking sensible precautions.
Fuel gas is safe to use. It is only when gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly without warning.
