Carbon monoxide poisoning

Advise patients to:

• Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and flues are kept clean and in good condition.[1]UK Health Security Agency. Carbon monoxide: health effects, incident management and toxicology. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology

• Ensure adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances.[1]UK Health Security Agency. Carbon monoxide: health effects, incident management and toxicology. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology ​Keep the vent open to outside; fuel-burning space heaters should have vents to the outside.

• Avoid running a car inside the garage. Fumes build up and increase carbon monoxide levels.

• Avoid using charcoal grills inside the house.

• Avoid using petrol-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers) in a closed space.

• Consider fitting carbon monoxide alarms that meet national standards.[1]UK Health Security Agency. Carbon monoxide: health effects, incident management and toxicology. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology ​ Check regional legal requirements for carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances because the alarm will not be activated if the patient is exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide.[1]UK Health Security Agency. Carbon monoxide: health effects, incident management and toxicology. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology