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As temperatures begin to drop, most households turn to gas heaters for warmth to reduce the financial impact of electrical ones. They are convenient, effective and have become widely used, especially at the peak of winter. However, when not used correctly or maintained properly, gas heaters can pose a serious, often invisible threat, carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can build up indoors without warning. Since it cannot be seen or smelled, you might not realise you are being exposed until symptoms begin, and by then the situation can already be dangerous. Read on to learn more about how carbon monoxide poisoning happens, how to recognise the warning signs and how to respond, which can help protect you and your family.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when fuels such as gas, paraffin, wood or coal burn incompletely. Gas heaters, especially those used indoors without proper ventilation, can release carbon monoxide into enclosed spaces. Moreover, when these appliances are not functioning properly or are used in poorly ventilated spaces, carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include:

• Gas heaters.
• Paraffin heaters.
• Gas stoves.
• Fireplaces.
• Generators used indoors or in enclosed areas.

Why Carbon Monoxide is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen. When inhaled, it enters the bloodstream and reduces oxygen supply to vital organs such as the brain and heart. In most cases, exposure happens without immediate awareness, which can lead to loss of consciousness, organ damage, severe illness and fatalities in extreme cases.

Early Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the biggest dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is that the early symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses such as the flu or fatigue. Most importantly, these symptoms can develop gradually over time with ongoing exposure. Early warning signs you should watch out for include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Confusion.

Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Action

As exposure increases, symptoms can become more serious and life-threatening. This is usually the case when carbon monoxide poisoning occurs quickly, such as in enclosed spaces. Use the FREE-to-use iER App to seek immediate help if you notice:

• Chest pain.
• Severe confusion or disorientation.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Blurred vision.
• Loss of coordination.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

Why Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Often Goes Unnoticed

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a silent threat because it gives no warning signs in the environment. It’s usually difficult to realise when you are in immediate danger, especially when multiple people in your home feel unwell at the same time with symptoms that develop gradually. This makes awareness and prevention, to ensure people know the dangers and how to handle gas in the house, especially important.

What to Do if You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, use the multi-award-winning iER App and act immediately, as delays can be dangerous. While waiting for emergency medical responders to arrive, consider following these steps:

• Move everyone to fresh air immediately.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Turn off the suspected source if it is safe to do so.
• Call for emergency medical assistance.
• Do not re-enter the area until it is declared safe.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Prevention is the most effective way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Simple precautions can significantly reduce a potentially fatal risk. Some safety measures that might help prevent your exposure include:

• Avoiding using gas heaters in completely enclosed spaces.
• Ensuring proper ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances.
• Keeping heaters away from sleeping areas.
• Regularly servicing gas appliances.
• Avoiding the use of outdoor heating equipment indoors.
• Switching off heaters before going to sleep.

Protecting Your Household

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, but only if the risks of using gas appliances are thoroughly understood and effectively managed. Taking simple precautions and recognising early symptoms can help protect everyone in your home, making a life-saving difference. Ensure you make it a priority to:

• Use heating devices safely.
• Ensure proper ventilation.
• Stay alert to warning signs.
• Act quickly if something feels wrong.

Gas heaters are a practical solution for staying warm, but they must be used responsibly because carbon monoxide exposure remains a life-threatening risk that can affect anyone, often without warning. Understanding how this poisoning occurs, recognising the symptoms and knowing how to respond can help reduce the risk of potentially fatal incidents. Prevention, awareness, and fast access to the FREE-to-use iER App for 24/7 emergency support are important ways to improve your safety.