Cookie Settings
This site uses cookies to store information on your computer, to improve your experience. One of the cookies this site uses is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about the cookies this site uses and how to delete them, please see the privacy notice.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service logo
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service logo
Navigate

Carbon monoxide (CO)

A poorly-maintained gas appliance can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about the symptoms of this and how to prevent it.
Find out what your rights and responsibilities for gas safety are as a tenant, landlord or homeowner.

Every year, about 20 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gas systems that haven't been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health.

When gas or other fossil fuels, like coal, wood or oil, don't burn properly, too much CO is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly, without warning.

How CO poisoning happens

Every year, about 20 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gas systems that haven't been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health.

When gas or other fossil fuels, like coal, wood or oil, don't burn properly, too much CO is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly, without warning.

Watch out for these symptoms

  • Mild headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Fatigue

  • Drowsiness

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning leaflet
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning leaflet

CO HSE - Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Carbon Monoxide & camping

The carbon monoxide from a badly adjusted camping light or stove can kill.

Barbecues in enclosed spaces are lethal, too.

  • Make sure your camping light and stove are clean and properly adjusted. 

  • Never take a portable barbecue - or lit charcoal - into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan. 

  • Make sure exhaust from generators is properly vented away from occupied areas Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, highly poisonous gas that can kill in minutes. 

  • Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be caused by ANY fuel that burns or smoulders.

More information

The GOV.UK website has more information about Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Choosing and locating carbon monoxide alarms – the facts
Choosing and locating carbon monoxide alarms – the facts
Gas safety Who qualifies for free checks?
Gas safety Who qualifies for free checks?
Give a loved one a gift that could save their life
Give a loved one a gift that could save their life
Carbon monoxide safety on boats
Carbon monoxide safety on boats
Freshers’ flu or Carbon Monoxide(CO) poisoning?
Freshers' flu or Carbon Monoxide(CO) poisoning?
Please rate this page, was it:
Please rate this page!