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Each year, thousands of people worldwide are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide – or CO – is a poisonous gas that’s produced when fossil fuels such as gas, oil, wood, petrol and coal don’t burn completely, due to lack of oxygen.

You can’t smell, see or taste carbon monoxide, which is why it’s often called the silent killer. Fortunately there are some simple precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

Common household appliances such as boilers, gas oven and fires – including wood, gas and coal fires – can all produce carbon monoxide if they haven’t been installed correctly or aren’t working properly. Using a barbeque indoors, or leaving a car or lawnmower engine running inside a building such as a garage can also lead to a build up of carbon monoxide.

How do I know if I’ve got carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Feeling or being sick
• Feeling weak
• Confusion
• Chest or muscle pain
• Shortness of breath

If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, switch off any appliances that could be causing it, open doors and windows to let fresh air in and go outside.

You should also seek medical advice. If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, call 111. You can also get advice at 111 online.

IMPORTANT:

If you are finding it hard to breathe, suddenly become confused or you are with someone that loses consciousness, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E unit.

5 tips for keeping your home safe from carbon monoxide

Here are 5 practical tips to help you reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Check the flame. The flame on gas appliances should be clear and blue. If the flame is orange coloured and flickering, or the pilot light keeps going out, it might not be working properly.
2. Make sure appliances are serviced regularly. All gas appliances should be checked annually, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you’re living in rented accommodation, your landlord must do this for you by law. Ask to see a copy of the annual gas safety record.
3. Check your ventilation. Make sure the flue from the appliance or your chimney isn’t blocked. If appliances aren’t getting enough air, they won’t burn fuel properly and could produce carbon monoxide.
4. Fit carbon monoxide alarms. You should fit an alarm in every room with an appliance that burns fuel. Make sure your alarm complies with the BS EN 50291 standard. Want to know more? ADSS can support with information and free carbon monoxide detectors. Contact Kelly Chable, ADSS Home Energy Advisor.
5. Stay safe on the move. If you’re going on holiday and staying in rented accommodation or a caravan, ask whether it is fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm. If in doubt, take a portable alarm with you.

Support to stay safe: Shelly’s story

Shelly lives alone and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in late 2024. When an ADSS Dementia Coordinator went to visit her, they found that she was struggling with her boiler and that there was no carbon monoxide alarm in the house.

“I spoke to Shelly’s son Scott and together we were able to complete a Home Energy Service assessment,” says ADSS Home Energy Advisor Kelly Chable. “We arranged to get the problem with the boiler fixed under Shelly’s existing service plan, and agreed that we’d supply her with a carbon monoxide alarm. We also made a referral to SGN to have a locking cooker valve fitted.” Want to know more about locking cooker valves? SGN has some useful information.

Thanks to these measures, Shelly has been able to stay safe in her home and maintain her independence. “Shelly’s son told us how reassured he felt to know his mum could no longer leave the cooker on by accident, and to have the alarm in place,” says Kelly. “They’re simple changes, but they can make a big difference.”

Find out more

The NHS website has some good advice on recognising the symptoms and what to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning. Find out more here.

SGN have plenty of useful information about carbon monoxide, including safety tips.

ADSS can offer advice and support on all aspects of living with dementia, including staying safe in your home. We can also provide free carbon monoxide alarms and refer you to SGN for a locking cooker valve or to be put on the Priority Services Register if you need extra advice or support with your energy needs. Contact Kelly Chable, ADSS Home Energy Advisor, to find out more.