Carbon monoxide is a very deadly gas, which has:

NO TASTE - NO SMELL - NO COLOUR

In short it can not be sensed by the human body ..........
but can KILL!

Note: PPM = parts per million (10,000 PPM = 1% by volume)

In the USA the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have set a maximum level of CO in the flue at 400 PPM.

In the home a concentration of no more than 9 PPM is recommended. While at work during an 8 hour period the level should not rise above a maximum level of 35 PPM i.e. if you are exposed to 35 PPM for 8 hours you should be in fresh air (zero PPM CO) for the remainder of the 24 hours.

Where does CO come from?

In a domestic boiler CO can be produced by the following problems:

• Blocked flue not allowing the products to escape.

• Inadequate air supply causing a shortage of oxygen.

• Flue products entering the air supply and causing a shortage of oxygen.

• Worn burner parts causing incomplete combustion of fuel.

Any of the above causes, linked to conditions where CO can enter a room, is a recipe for disaster or ultimately.........

...............DEATH!

Can you be sure there is no CO?

As the human body cannot detect CO there is only one option available and that is use an instrument that can measure it. For the boiler installer there is a wide range of CO detectors on the market to fit all applications. To select the most suitable use the "Hello I'd like to buy a CO tester" to aid your decision.

How does CO kill?

CO is absorbed by red blood cells through the lungs. Taking the place of vitaloxygen, the CO is transported by the blood to organs such as the brain. Oxygen is one fuel that enables organs to work correctly; if not available in the blood then these organs can malfunction. As the build-up of CO becomes more severe, cells in the body are killed with the ultimate conclusion....

...............DEATH!