What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that’s comprised of one oxygen and one carbon atom. It’s formed when fossil fuels are burned and react with the air.
How is it dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can make you seriously ill if you inhale it. It’s also dangerous because you can be unaware you’re breathing it in until it’s too late to take action which leads to fatalities in some cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of exposure
Although you cannot sense carbon monoxide, your body will start reacting under prolonged exposure, even if the amount of gas is negligible. Signs that carbon monoxide is around you include the following symptoms:
· Headache
· Dizziness and weakness
· Nausea or vomiting
· Confusion
· Shortness of breath
· Chest and muscle pain
If you suspect you’re having a reaction, leave the room immediately and go outside. Your symptoms should improve when you’re away from the source of the carbon monoxide, but regardless you should seek medical attention straight away. Don’t go back inside until you’ve sought professional advice.
How can exposure occur?
Carbon monoxide exposure is usually connected to faulty appliances that are leaking gas such as a cooker or heater, or the boiler itself. Examples of carbon monoxide poisoning at holiday cottages which have old and rarely used equipment crop up in the news all too often. Be vigilant when using fires too – whether gas, wood or coal – and paraffin heaters or portable generators.
Ensure you have plenty of ventilation whenever you’re using gas appliances, when you’re at home but especially if in an unfamiliar property. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air and avoid staying in a confined space with the appliances for a substantial length of time.
Your legal rights and actions
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide in a setting you’re not responsible for where you have the right to be protected from harm – such as a holiday home – you could investigate a no win no fee claim for compensation from the provider at fault. This money can help pay for any related medical bills and reimburse you for the money you put down on the holiday.
You’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim including an official doctor’s report and any communication between you and the relevant parties about the possibility of carbon monoxide exposure. You could also look at recent reviews for any similar experiences.
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