It's rarely mentioned in the movies, but it's a very effective killer: every year, more than 1,000 people in our country fall victim to CO poisoning.
Why is CO so dangerous?
- Because it cannot be perceived. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
- Because your blood absorbs CO 200 times better than oxygen. The CO therefore rejects all the oxygen in the blood. Victims find themselves chemically strangled.
How does CO enter your home?
CO is formed when all fuels are burnt incorrectly. For example, gas, heating oil, wood and pellets are fuels that are often used for heating or hot water in the home.
Do you use an open fire or a coal-burning stove? Do you heat your home with gas or oil? Do you have a gas water heater? If so, your home presents a real risk of CO poisoning. So it's important to take precautions.
How to recognize CO poisoning?
- We get headaches quickly.
- We can get nauseous.
- It makes you feel tired.
- Sometimes you pass out.
Other warning flags:
- Do several people or animals complain at the same time?
- Do you complain at certain times (taking a bath, a shower or washing dishes)?
- Complaints decrease in the presence of fresh air or when you are outside?
- Do you notice soot deposits on the walls around the gas water heaters?
- Do you notice abnormally high condensation and humidity in the house?
- For gas, pay attention to the color of the flames. Yellow flames are a sign of poor combustion. The flames must be blue.
What to do in case of CO poisoning?
- Your own safety first!
- Open the doors and windows first.
- Switch off the device.
- If the person is unconscious: call 112 and report that it could be CO poisoning.
- Get the person out of the room.