How can carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning be detected and prevented?

Carbon monoxide, a toxic molecule for our bodies

Asphyxiating and undetectable to the naked eye, carbon monoxide spreads rapidly in the environment, often as a result of poor combustion. Depending on the degree of exposure to this molecule, the victim may experience various sensations. These vary according to:

• The concentration of CO in the air The duration of exposure of the victim The degree of activity (the more intense the physical effort, the faster the breathing, and the more carbon monoxide the person inhales)
• The person's state of health (respiratory or heart problems)

When carbon monoxide enters the body, it binds to haemoglobin in the blood, thus reducing the blood's ability to transport oxygen. This alteration can lead to hypoxia, a lack of oxygen in the tissues, and can cause serious damage to various organs. Carbon monoxide remains the leading cause of accidental toxic death in France, often caused by incomplete combustion. It can have serious consequences on the human body. There are currently 3,000 accidents and 180 deaths due to carbon monoxide inhalation every year, mainly as a result of poor combustion practices in enclosed spaces.

The SCHS recommends strict preventive measures to limit the risks of exposure to carbon monoxide, including regular checks of installations and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. Following these SCHS recommendations helps to reduce the number of accidents related to this invisible threat.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas and can be fatal to humans. That is why it is important to know which appliances can emit it. Carbon monoxide can be produced by:

• Oil, wood, coal and gas heating systems
• Individual gas boilers, including those that run on propane
• Tools, combustion-engine vehicles and other petrol-powered devices
• Outdoor appliances such as barbecues, stoves and camping stoves
• Gas household appliances such as ovens, cookers and space heaters

All these appliances, including propane boilers, use fuels that can emit carbon monoxide if they are not properly maintained or used in a poorly ventilated space. It is essential to ensure that boilers and other fuel-burning appliances, such as those running on propane, are properly maintained to avoid any emission of dangerous gases. In addition, it is important to only use authorised and certified appliances for safe use, and to ensure that these appliances are maintained by authorised professionals. Regular maintenance and use under authorised conditions will prevent any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is also essential to check that the garage is well ventilated when a vehicle is parked inside. Never leave an engine running in a closed garage, as this can lead to a rapid build-up of carbon monoxide. Similarly, the use of generators or other combustion devices in a closed garage can also be dangerous. Make sure that petrol-powered devices, such as lawnmowers or other equipment, are never used in a poorly ventilated garage.

How is carbon monoxide measured?

CO is measured in parts per million (PPM). Depending on the threshold reached, the person may experience various symptoms:

• 200 ppm: headaches, vomiting, fatigue
• 400 ppm: intense headaches, death after 3 hours of exposure
• 800 ppm: loss of consciousness in 45 minutes, death in 2 to 3 hours
• 1600 ppm: loss of consciousness in 20 minutes, death within an hour

These symptoms depend on the concentration of carbon monoxide, which can come from several combustion devices. A malfunctioning gas appliance or combustion device can lead to a high concentration of CO, thus endangering the health of the occupants.

How can you prevent the effects of carbon monoxide?

In order to avoid accidents and ensure optimal safety, it is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed inside the home. This safety device accurately detects the CO level in an enclosed space and alerts the occupants of the space to evacuate as quickly as possible in case of symptoms of poisoning. By detecting the first symptoms, the detector allows for rapid intervention and thus limits the risks associated with prolonged exposure to less oxygenated air. It is crucial not to ignore the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, as prompt intervention and appropriate treatment can save lives and allow the environment to regain sufficient oxygen levels for the safety of the occupants. Prompt treatment also helps to limit the harmful effects of the poisoning and ensure a faster recovery, by reducing the respiratory and other health problems that can result from this exposure.

What is a DAACO?

The DAACO stands for ‘Détecteur Avertisseur Autonome de Monoxyde de Carbone’ (autonomous carbon monoxide alarm).

This device analyses and measures the concentration of CO in an indoor environment. It emits an audible and visual alarm to alert the occupants of a danger related to the presence of carbon monoxide.

For added safety, these detectors can also be interconnected. This technology allows several products to communicate with each other. In a building, if one detector sounds, it will send a signal to the other products, which will in turn sound to warn of danger. It is essential that the installation of these detectors is carried out by a qualified professional, as only a professional will be able to guarantee that they are working properly and comply with current safety standards. It is therefore advisable to call on a professional for the maintenance and installation of DAACOs, in order to ensure optimal protection.

What are the standards for DAACO?

In homes, the installation of a DAACO is recommended, but not compulsory. To be installed and ensure the safety of a space, the CO detector must bear the ‘CE’ marking and comply with European standard EN50291-1. It is important to ensure that only authorised devices that comply with current standards are used. Furthermore, unauthorised CO detectors should never be installed, as this could compromise the safety of the space.

How to limit the risk of poisoning?

Preventive measures must be taken to reduce the risk of accidents. The best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to act safely:

• Install the carbon monoxide detector in rooms where there are combustion appliances
• Follow the rules for using and maintaining appliances safely
• Limit the use of fuel-burning appliances in enclosed spaces

If the carbon monoxide detector goes off, it is imperative to leave the home immediately and call the emergency services. After the alert, a quick assessment of the situation must be carried out to evaluate the risks and take the necessary action. An early assessment makes it possible to better understand the extent of the dangers, to identify the potential risks associated with carbon monoxide and to determine the safety measures to be taken to avoid any further exposure to dangerous gases.

What to do when CO is detected

If carbon monoxide is detected, the following safety rules must be followed:

• If possible, turn off combustion appliances
• Evacuate the premises
• Call the emergency services by dialling 18, 15 or 112 (114 for the hearing impaired)
• Only return to the premises after the emergency services have given their approval

It is essential to follow these measures in order to limit the risks associated with the presence of carbon monoxide. The presence of this gas can have serious consequences, and it is crucial to act quickly. Only return to the premises once a safety diagnosis has been carried out, confirming the absence of any threat related to the presence of this gas.

To avoid poisoning, it is useful to take some precautions:

• Air for at least 10 minutes every day, even if it is cold
• Limit the prolonged use of auxiliary heaters
• Place generators outside buildings
• Have your chimney swept
• Check the heating systems and ensure they are regularly maintained

Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant gas that spreads very quickly in the atmosphere. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will measure the CO level in a room and warn the occupants in case of danger with an audible alarm. This will ensure the safety of the home and the health of its occupants, while guaranteeing that the heating and ventilation equipment is properly maintained to prevent any risk.