Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas and exposure can quickly lead to short-term symptoms, long-term health issues, and even death. Prolonged and repeat exposures at lower concentrations can lead to the same consequences.

CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, and is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Known as the “silent killer," CO poisoning is responsible for more than 400 deaths per annum in the USA and a similar number in Europe; these are typically in industrial and domestic situations. For example, in the UK alone: 50 people die, 200 people are hospitalised and 4,000 admitted to Accident & Emergency units annually, due to CO poisoning[1].