What is Carbon Monoxide?

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels including gas, oil, wood and coal.
• Sources can include cookers, heaters and fire places.
• CO poisoning kills 40 people and injures a further 300 every year in the UK.
• You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly without warning.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

• The most common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea.
• Symptoms can be mistaken for flu, viruses or even food poisoning.
• If someone suffers from these symptoms whilst at home but is fine elsewhere, they may be suffering from CO poisoning.

How to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisioning?

• Make sure your camping light and stove are clean and properly adjusted.
• Never take a portable barbecue – or lit charcoal – into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.
• Make sure exhaust from generators is properly vented away from occupied areas.

What to do in an emergency?

• Evacuate everyone outside to fresh air.
• Go to your doctor or in an emergency call for an ambulance.

For further information visit www.COvictim.org