How do I know if I am at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Although carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, signs that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring, resulting in the production of CO, include:

• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (apart from fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include:

• tiredness
• drowsiness
• headaches
• giddiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• pains in the chest
• breathlessness
• stomach pains
• erratic behavior
• visual problems.

If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and you believe CO may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice. You should ask for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of CO. Be aware, CO quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate if taken more than four hours after exposure has ceased.

What should I do?

If you think there is a problem take the following action:

• Switch off the appliance and report the matter urgently to the tour operator and/or other responsible person
• do not reuse until remedial action has been taken
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room - do not sleep in it
• Seek medical advice

Holiday makers can also take with them approved audible CO alarms if they would like the added assurance these can give.