Carbon Monoxide: How to Protect Yourself from an Odorless and Very Dangerous Gas ?

Le monoxyde de carbone provient d’une combustion incomplète dans un appareil de chauffage. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Since October in the Gard, 23 people have been hospitalized, and two have died, following poisoning.

With the cold of winter, we are tempted to turn up the heating. However, there is a risk depending on your heating system. Carbon monoxide (CO) has serious health consequences, sometimes even death. Since October, 23 people have been poisoned, including one in the heart of Alès in December. Among them, there are 16 hospitalizations, and two deaths.

There are three things to know about carbon monoxide: this gas cannot be seen, cannot be smelled, but is nevertheless very dangerous for health. “At home, as soon as you feel dizzy, have a headache or feel like vomiting, call for help“, insists Commander Nicolas Ventosa, commander of the Alès firefighters.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Good habits at the start of winter. Ministry of the Interior

What is carbon monoxide? How is it formed?

Carbon monoxide is a gas formed by incomplete combustion (wood, butane, coal, gasoline, fuel oil, gas and oil). A heating system based on these fuels can create CO if the appliance is poorly maintained or faulty. An electrical system does not produce monoxide. This gas is produced during a malfunction. These installations include stoves, boilers and water heaters, auxiliary heating (non-electric), stoves or fireplaces.

Ventilation and specialized detectors

“Ventilation is essential“, explains Commander Ventosa. Never obstructing the ventilation grilles and regularly airing your home, even in the middle of winter, is necessary. “At least 10 minutes a day, as during the Covid period“, explains the firefighter. Portable heaters, braziers and generators should never be used in enclosed spaces.

Just like smoke detectors, there are carbon monoxide detectors. It is possible to find devices that do both, but this is not systematic. In the eyes of the law, “there is no obligation for the resident to install this type of device“, explains the commander. But since we are talking about a gas that is undetectable by the human nose, the firefighter strongly advises getting one, which can be found in DIY stores or stores specializing in home improvement.

Some smoke detectors can also detect carbon monoxide. But this is not systematic. Midi Libre – STEPHANE BARBIER

 

“Maintenance is legally mandatory“, explains Cédric Giraud, heating engineer at Comptoir Ménager Alésien (CMA). A heating installation company is “guarantor of maintenance” but it is “the user of the device, whether tenant or owner“, who must ensure maintenance by calling professionals. “If the individual does not contact us, we cannot intervene. Some call us two or three years later. It is dangerous.“

I subscribe to read the rest