Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas.

Is it a health risk?

When a person breathes in CO it combines with the oxygen-carrying part of the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen, which is essential for life. If a person is exposed to significant levels of CO it can cause illness and even death. Unfortunately, CO causes preventable deaths and illnesses every year in Ireland and internationally.

How can I protect myself and my family from CO poisoning?

CO can be produced where there is an incomplete combustion process of various fuels and sometimes occurs when a heating appliance is faulty. People can protect themselves from CO poisoning by:

• Using only safe serviced heating appliances
• Ensuring ventilations systems are working
• Installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm

What precautions should I take during flooding:

• Be mindful of the risk of carbon monoxide when dealing with flooding situations.
• Petrol or diesel generators and other fuel-driven equipment should never be used in unventilated spaces:
  • The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which, without good ventilation, can quickly build up to poisonous levels.
  • The same risk is carried by portable grills, camp stoves, paraffin- fuelled heaters or other devices using gasoline, propane or natural gas.  These should only be used in well-ventilated spaces.   
• If you experience dizziness, headaches or disorientation, the appliance should be switched off, you should move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical advice
• For further public health advice for dealing with flooding situations, please click here.

For more information, please see the dedicated Carbon Monoxide website.

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