carbon monoxide

[Bex]

just a gentle reminder to everyone that carbon monoxide is not a nice thing at all, which is why it is imperative to make sure that you keep an eye out for the signs. even going as far as buying a device to detect it.

anyone who has read my blog from yesterday will realise that my family has been suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisioning. it came about because our boiler has not been serviced properly, and there was a vital part missing which meant that the fumes were seeping back into our lounge. We have no way of saying how long it has been going on, but the boiler was last serviced about two years ago.

we spent last night at the hospital, getting tested out to make sure there was no permenant damage to us, and to be honest the tests weren't overly nice, but luckily we are all ok. the symptoms should only last for another week. however, it could have been more serious.

so for your safety and your families, make sure your boiler is regularly fixed and that you watch out for any syptoms.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditio...onoxide1.shtml

The gas board gave us a free detector about three years ago.

[paulyoung666]

not nice and glad you are all ok , a little link to some more info

[punky]

Good thing you soptted it, it kills

[MetaWraith]

Originally Posted by Paul M

The gas board gave us a free detector about three years ago.

Aren't those only good for 6 months or so ?

[Ramrod]

Isn't house plants turning yellow another sign of CO?

[Chimaera]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Isn't house plants turning yellow another sign of CO?

No - it's a sign that I'm looking after them

[greencreeper]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Isn't house plants turning yellow another sign of CO?

So is dead people - prefer not to wait that long! Flu like symptoms - cough, snuffles, aches, general tiredness - are the signs. You had a lucky escape Bex!

My parents have an alarm but it keeps having false alarms. They had the whole of the fireplace ripped out and had to re-decorate the chimney breast again because of the alarm. After it was all done and a new fire fitted - alarm went off again

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Chimaera

No - it's a sign that I'm looking after them

Yep, Mandy is about the same.........she was debating whether she should buy some plants in IKEA today.......I suggested that she didn't and let them live.

[Chimaera]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Yep, Mandy is about the same.........she was debating whether she should buy some plants in IKEA today.......I suggested that she didn't and let them live.

You should have gone for one of their orchids - cheapest anywhere and virtually indestructible - and the one I've got has flowered almost contunually for 3 years!

[Scarlett]

Originally Posted by MetaWraith

Aren't those only good for 6 months or so ?

Yuo can get simple disposable ones thatare good for 6 months or the Battery powered one that we have in the kitchen, approx 10 years on each battery.

[Kliro]

Dont people use lighters? If the flame doesnt light CO is present.

*****Don't try this as I'm not really sure*****

[Bex]

Originally Posted by Kliro

Dont people use lighters? If the flame doesnt light CO is present.

*****Don't try this as I'm not really sure*****

i think we can discount that one since i live in a house of smokers....

discolouring around the site of the boiler/gas fire is another sign.

Originally Posted by Kliro

Dont people use lighters? If the flame doesnt light CO is present.

*****Don't try this as I'm not really sure*****

if there was enough CO for a lighter not to light, you would already be dead...

The thing with Carbon Monoxide is that it irreversibly combines with the haemoglobin in your blood cells & stops it from being able to absorb & release oxygen - you have to make new blood cells to replace the damaged ones, which takes time.

I'm glad bex discovered what the problem was before it got any worse.

[Matthew]

I recommend this site for information on carbon monoxide. Everyting you need to know.