Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas. It is produced when wood, coal, oil or gas are burned without enough air supply. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

Symptoms can develop very quickly or over days or months. They include:  

• headaches (the most common symptom)
• feeling sick and dizzy
• feeling tired and confused
• stomach pain
• difficulty breathing

If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:

1. open the windows and doors and leave the property
2. urgently seek medical advice
3. call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999
4. If the appliance was installed by Southwark council call 020 7525 2600

How to protect yourself

You can protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

The best way is to have your gas appliances and chimneys serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can also: 

• make sure there's enough fresh air in the room containing your gas appliance
• make sure chimneys and flues are not blocked and vents are not covered
• get your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep
• fit carbon monoxide alarms on your property and regularly test them

Find out more information and advice from our gas safety page.

For information and advice on carbon monoxide see: 

• Health and Safety Executive

• Gas Safe Register