CO: What are the dangers and how can you protect yourself?

A quick reminder about this gas

These days, we spend most of our time in enclosed spaces. We are often confronted with propane-emitting appliances. These can release a toxic gas that is fatal to humans and pets. Propane is also a gas that, when inhaled, can have harmful effects on our bodies by replacing oxygen with the molecule carboxyhaemoglobin, a process directly linked to the combustion of this gas.

Every year, CO is responsible for over a hundred deaths in France. In addition, there are around 1,300 episodes of carbon monoxide poisoning per accident, often due to poor combustion in a non-maintained appliance, involving almost 3,000 people a year.

Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million (PPM), ranging from 200 ppm to +1600 ppm. Depending on the threshold reached, people experience various symptoms. Note that the higher the threshold, the greater the danger to health in poorly ventilated premises, where incomplete combustion is often a key source of CO formation.

It is important to understand that one of the main sources of exposure to carbon monoxide comes from heating appliances, boilers and other fuel-burning equipment. An additional source of danger is inadequate maintenance of these systems, which can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. That's why prevention and early detection of these sources are crucial to ensuring a safe indoor environment. It is also essential to recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, such as headaches, nausea or fatigue, so that you can act quickly to avoid serious consequences.

Effects on the body

Carbon monoxide poisoning can have serious or fatal consequences, but it is often difficult to detect because there are no visual or olfactory signals. However, there are a few telltale symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is crucial to recognise these warning signs so that you can take action as quickly as possible to protect yourself and those around you in your home. The presence of these symptoms should raise the alarm immediately, as they are often the only indicator of exposure to carbon monoxide. In fact, carbon monoxide prevents the blood from being sufficiently oxygenated, which can lead to serious health effects if exposure persists.

Keeping an eye out for these different signals can save lives and enable rapid medical intervention in the event of carbon monoxide exposure. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid serious complications. As mentioned above, the higher the thresholds, the greater the risk. For example, above 200 ppm, headaches, fatigue or nausea should be taken seriously. Immediate treatment at this stage can limit the effects. Above 1600 ppm, the presence of such a high concentration of gas can lead to death, as carbon monoxide binds directly to the haemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygenation of the tissues.

Symptoms can include impaired consciousness and chest pain, as the oxygen supply to the blood becomes insufficient. It is therefore crucial to monitor these signs closely to ensure that treatment is appropriate and the situation does not worsen.

In a confined environment, this gas develops rapidly. In air, from :

• 0.1% CO kills within 1 hour;
• 1% carbon monoxide kills in 15 minutes;
• 10% CO, it kills immediately.

Two types of poisoning

• Chronic" intoxication, which manifests itself as nausea, headaches or mental confusion;
• Acute intoxication causes dizziness, muscular impotence, loss of consciousness, coma or death.

Chronic poisoning can be detected by family doctors, medical or social workers who make home visits. The latter are sometimes equipped with specialised detection devices. If a group of people inhales CO, even slightly, they are taken to hospital to speed up the elimination of the gas from the body.

Occupants who have inhaled an abnormal amount of carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide poisoning) must undergo oxygen therapy. This is administered via an oxygen mask. In the most serious cases, 90-minute sessions in a hyperbaric chamber (a decompression chamber that increases tissue oxygenation) are unavoidable.

At the time of the emergency response, victims suffering from severe poisoning may subsequently experience various symptoms:

• Chronic migraines;
• Coordination disorders;
• Paralysis of all kinds.

If poisoning is suspected, the following steps should be taken:

• Ventilate the premises immediately;
• If possible, turn off any gas-emitting appliances;
• Evacuate the premises;
• Call the emergency services by dialling 18, 15 or 112 (114 for the hearing impaired).

Limiting exposure in the home

It is possible to prevent the release of carbon monoxide in various places. Here is some advice to follow to avoid any risk of propagation:

Before winter:

• Have the boiler, water heater, chimney, stove, etc. checked by a certified professional.
• Have the ducts and chimneys swept at least once a year.

During the winter:

• Ventilate the accommodation for at least 10 minutes a day.
• Avoid blocking air inlets.

In very cold periods:

• Never use heating devices not intended for this purpose, such as braziers, stoves, etc.
• Do not operate auxiliary heaters continuously; they must operate intermittently.
• Install generators outside buildings.

Throughout the year, check, maintain and carry out regular servicing of the following appliances:

• Wood, coal, oil or gas heating equipment;
• Individual boilers;
• Gasoline-powered tools or appliances;
• Outdoor equipment such as barbecues, stoves, etc.;
• Gas household appliances such as ovens, cookers, etc.;
• Vehicles or combustion engine tools in the garage.

It is essential to check, maintain, repair and carry out regular servicing of these appliances in the various locations in order to limit the risk of carbon monoxide emissions.

Detecting carbon monoxide

There are several ways in which CO can be generated in an indoor space. It is important to understand and detect where the gas is coming from. One of the most common sources is the use of fuel-based heating systems, such as boilers, motor vehicles or other gas-generating equipment.

In order to protect yourself and those around you, there is a device that detects the presence of this gas. The carbon monoxide detector, also known as a CO alarm, is a warning device. It can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It alerts the occupants of an enclosed space when it detects CO, which is often emitted by faulty boilers. Purchasing a DAACO allows you to take corrective measures to improve air quality and reduce the risk of poisoning from fuel use, particularly from boilers.

It is also important to take certain precautions to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide. These precautions include regular maintenance of the heating system and boilers, as well as checking the condition of the gas exhaust system. In addition, it is recommended that additional precautions be taken, such as regular ventilation of indoor spaces and the installation of detectors in strategic areas to ensure the safety of the system.

The installation of a carbon monoxide detector is not compulsory in France, but it is nevertheless recommended. There are various detectors on the market to meet everyone's needs. At Nexelec, we offer a wide range of detectors to help you take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your environment and your heating systems.

• With a 10-year battery;
• With a 10-year battery and an NFC chip;
• Connected with a long-life battery;
• Connected, measuring temperature and humidity with a 10-year battery.

Our devices measure the CO level in a closed space in real time. When a dangerous level is detected, the detector device immediately sounds an alarm, making it easier for professionals to detect faulty devices and to repair or replace them after a precise diagnosis by the service.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is invisible to the naked eye. This toxic gas is one of the most deadly pollutants in existence. It is formed during the incomplete combustion of organic materials (gas, coal, fuel oil, wood or fuel). An individual who has been exposed to too much of it is in danger. It is therefore essential for any professional to detect this gas using devices designed for this purpose, such as the autonomous carbon monoxide detector, which sounds as soon as the critical threshold is reached, in order to guarantee the safety of the occupants. A rapid diagnosis service allows appropriate measures to be taken to avoid any poisoning.