TECHNICAL BULLETIN
ISSUE 33
DECEMBER 2019
CARBON MONOXIDE THE SILENT KILLER ANDY NALLY MATT FLOOK,FOUNDER, BUSINESS SURVEY DEVELOPMENT BOOKERDIRECTOR, SAVA SAVA TECHNICAL TEAM
Carbon monoxide is tasteless, odourless and colourless, but it can cause danger and even kill. In recent news it has been reported that footballer Emiliano Sala, who tragically died when the plane he and pilot David Ibbotson were on crashed whilst flying over the Channel Islands, had high levels of carbon monoxide in his blood after toxicology tests were carried out. Experts suggest it is likely he was unconscious before the plane crashed, and it is likely pilot David, whose body has not yet been found, was also exposed to high levels of the toxic gas. In this article, we will review the dangers of carbon monoxide, what appliances in our homes could potentially pose a risk, and the relevant building regulations
An overview
blood and vital organs - the more CO that is inhaled, the bigger the build-up of CO and the more we are deprived of oxygen, resulting in asphyxiation which can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from partial oxidation of carbon containing compounds, including when fuels such as wood, coal, oil or natural gas are burned. It is present in the air around us because of the activities we carry out such as driving or for heating or cooking and even from smoking. Out in the open air, the level of CO is less concentrated and therefore not as dangerous, but high, concentrated levels in enclosed spaces pose a dangerous risk to humans and animals.
According to the National Office of Statistics, in 2017 there were 59 deaths in the UK due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. This is an increase compared to 49 in 2016 and 53 in 2015. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include: •• Tension-type or dull headache (common in mild cases)
When inhaled, carbon monoxide will attach itself to the molecule (haemoglobin) that usually carries oxygen to our
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