A roast in the oven, hot water in the bath and a stove glowing amber in the evening: these are all everyday comforts that make our houses feel like homes.
But the energy that powers these comforts often comes with a hidden danger: carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas has no colour, smell or taste, which means it can leak from your appliances without you knowing. The results can be devastating, causing around six deaths in Ireland every year, with others becoming seriously ill.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is a timely reminder that we need to be on guard against this silent danger. Here are some key facts from the RedClick team that can help you recognise the warning signs, put precautions in place and help protect everyone in your home.
Carbon monoxide can occur in almost any home
Some people associate carbon monoxide with older houses and gas heaters. The reality is that carbon monoxide can be produced in any home that burns fuel including gas, coal, turf, oil and wood.
That means boilers, open fires, stoves, cookers and water heaters are all potential sources, as well as smoke from cigarettes, shisha pipes, and burning charcoal. Problems can occur when an appliance is faulty, incorrectly installed or poorly maintained.
Some of the most common risk factors are:
- Blocked flues and chimneys
- Portable devices like kerosene stoves
- Covered or sealed vents
- Barbeques used in closed environments
- Faulty or blocked car exhausts
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are easy to miss
One of the biggest problems with carbon monoxide poisoning is that its early symptoms can be easily confused with everyday illnesses like the flu.
The HSE explains that low-level exposure symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness and confusion
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
The longer you’re exposed to the gas, the worse your symptoms will become. In certain circumstances, you could lose balance, vision, memory or even consciousness very quickly. Keep a close eye on pets and small children as they are often the first to be affected.
Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide give rise to different symptoms, including neurological imbalances like loss of coordination, impaired mental state and personality changes.
Remember that unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide has no smell, so you need to be on the lookout for any change in your family’s health.
Time is of the essence with carbon monoxide poisoning
If someone is showing possible symptoms of suspected poisoning, you’ll need to move fast. The HSE sets out the basic steps:
- Stop using all appliances and switch them off
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the property
- Go outside into fresh air immediately
- Stay calm to avoid raising your heart rate
- Call the Gas Networks emergency line on 1800 20 50 50 to report the incident
- Do not go back into the property — wait for advice from the emergency services
Feeling better outside doesn’t mean you can assume that the danger has passed, though: you still need to get medical attention as soon as possible. The HSE advises that you contact your GP if you think you've been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, and your nearest emergency department if you believe you’ve encountered high levels of the gas. If you need urgent assistance, for example if someone is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call 999 or 112.
Once everyone’s safe, you’ll need to address what caused the carbon monoxide leak. Call a registered gas installer or other competent technician to check your appliances, fix any faults and fully ventilate your home. Do not re-enter the property until you’ve been advised that it’s safe to do so.
Every home needs a carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide alarms are becoming mandatory in Ireland under building regulations and rental housing standards, but you should never take it for granted that you have one, or that it functions correctly. In fact, the NSAI warns that over half of Irish households don’t have a carbon monoxide alarm, “potentially putting them and their family in grave danger”.
Gas Networks Ireland recommends that you have an alarm in every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance and one within five metres of every bedroom. When choosing a suitable alarm, make sure it:
- Complies with European Standard EN 50291
- Carries the CE mark as well as independent certification (e.g. Kitemark)
- Features an 'end of life' indicator
- Includes an audible alarm, not just a visual indicator
If you already have sufficient alarms in place, you need to make sure you maintain them carefully. Clean them gently with a damp cloth, avoiding contact with aerosols, cleaning agents, polishes and air fresheners.
You’ll need to test your alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button until the alarm reacts. Bear in mind that most alarms have a lifespan of about 5-10 years so you may need to replace them during your tenancy or ownership.
Good maintenance is key to significantly reducing the risk
Prevention and protection starts with looking after your appliances and ventilation systems in your home.
Boilers, cookers, heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances must be properly installed and regularly serviced by a qualified professional. For gas boilers and appliances, for example, you should arrange for annual inspection and servicing by a Registered Gas Installer.
Chimneys and flues should be swept and kept clear, which may require calling on a specialist company. If an appliance looks faulty or is flashing with an error code, stop using it until you can get it looked at by a professional. Vents should never be blocked or covered — a regular flow of clean air is crucial to reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), one in five Irish households have not had their boiler serviced in two years or longer and one in ten can’t even remember when their boiler was serviced last.
Creating an annual reminder in your phone is a smart way to make sure you don’t accidentally fall behind on your servicing schedule. Winter months roll around fast every year and Christmas is always a busy period, so it’s all too easy to forget this crucial part of household safety.
Learn more about safety checks for your home, getting winter-ready and more in our RedClick Blogs. With over 300,000 customers in Ireland, we want to support you to stay safe, warm and comfortable all year ‘round.