Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, smell or taste.

When inhaled it prevents the blood from absorbing oxygen. At high levels it can kill in as little as 3 minutes. At low levels it causes illness.

It can be produced by any type of fuel being burned - coal, turf, oil, gas or wood.

Harmful levels can be produced by:

• Badly installed, faulty, damaged or blocked heating appliances, chimney or flue
• Blocked or insufficient ventiliation
• Barbeques
• Petrol-driven machinery
• Improper use of fuel-burning appliances e.g. using a cooker to heat a room, bringing a BBQ indoors or burning rubbish in a fireplace or stove

Some tips on Prevention:

• Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are installed by a qualified installer
• Get your boiler and any other fuel-burning appliances serviced once a year
• Ger your chimney swept once a year
• Keep flues and chimneys clear at all times
• Never block room ventilators
• Use appliances correctly and for their intended purpose
• Ensure that you fit carbon monoxide alarms in every room that has a fuel-burning appliance and one within 16ft of every bedroom

Signs of Carbon Monoxide:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Chest pains
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Lethargy

If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing some of the above symptoms, visit a doctor immediately and ask to be checked for carbon monoxide poisoning. Ventilate the area immediately, stop using fuel-burning appliances and get everyone into the fresh air.

This information is extracted from a booklet by Gas Networks Ireland. Call into one of our stores in Bandon, Kinsale or Enniskeane to pick up a copy or go to http://carbonmonoxide.ie/ for more information and advice.