Being aware of Carbon Monoxide inside and outside of the house

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion. It can be produced by a variety of sources, including cars, furnaces, and other fuel-burning appliances. However, what many people don’t realise is that carbon monoxide can also escape from outside sources, such as gas leaks on the street.

I recently had a personal experience with this issue. There was a gas leak on the street outside of my house. It turned out that an underground electric cable had burnt a gas pipe, causing normal gas to escape along with carbon monoxide. This was only discovered by coincidence when the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air was measured, and it was found to be at a dangerous level.

The gas company immediately evacuated the area, and it became clear that the carbon monoxide was not just coming from our fuel-burning appliances inside our homes, but it was also coming from outside sources which we had no control over. This experience was a wake-up call for me, and I realised that carbon monoxide is not just an indoor problem.

Carbon monoxide is a serious health hazard that can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness and nausea. It is essential to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, but it is also crucial to be aware that carbon monoxide can escape from outside sources. If you ever suspect a gas leak or notice any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, nausea, or confusion, you should open all nearby windows, immediately evacuate the area and alert National Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999.

For CO protection, we would recommend Aico’s Ei3018 Carbon Monoxide Alarm which features a high performance, proven electrochemical sensor to monitor CO levels in the household. The sensor is individually calibrated and tested in carbon monoxide gas to ensure it is completely accurate in its detection. The Ei3018 can be used in conjunction with the Ei1000G Gateway to gather valuable information regarding CO levels, which is then visible on the HomeLINK Portal as actionable insights. All of Aico’s Carbon Monoxide Alarms are in line with BS EN 50291-1:208. Having such proactive measures in place means that you are able to monitor levels in real-time, and aren’t running the risk of being in an environment where high-levels of CO are present.

It is crucial to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from this dangerous gas.

Stay safe!