Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a very dangerous gas, which is produced by burning fuels such as wood, coal, oil and gas. If there is a lack of oxygen in the area where the fuel is burning, instead of producing carbon dioxide as a by-product, it produces carbon monoxide. This occurs naturally in some appliances such as gas boilers, but the gas is usually disposed of safely into the atmosphere.

Carbon Monoxide Claims

A claim for compensation could be made if you have been exposed to carbon monoxide due to the fault or negligence of someone else. Due to the seriousness of carbon monoxide poisoning, claiming for compensation can often be the best thing to do if you’ve been hospitalised, taken time off work or lost your job due to the poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as ‘the silent killer’, due to it being odourless and colourless. It is therefore most likely that you won’t know carbon monoxide is there until you started suffering the side effects of inhaling it.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide

Depending on the levels of exposure, the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can range from a simple headache, nausea and dizziness, to vomiting, tiredness, stomach pains and confusion. It has, in some cases, led to fatalities, although normally the symptoms are realised and the problem fixed before this happens.

If you feel you may be suffering from any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisining, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning can be diagnosed from a simple blood test. In most cases, you should feel better as soon as you are away from the source of the gas, but if the exposure has been high you may need oxygen treatment. In any case, speaking to a doctor is highly recommended.

In more serious cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain and heart damage as well as urinary incontinence. Some research suggests that after exposure to carbon monoxide, your life span could be affected. Naturally, it’s best to stay away from the source of the problem, until it can be fixed by the person responsible for the appliance.

A lot of the time, carbon monoxide exposure may only be realised if you feel ill in only in one particular place. For example, you may find that you show symptoms whenever you are at work, but when at home you feel much better. This could be because of a carbon monoxide leak at your place of work. This is easier to determine if everyone in the vicinity also feels the same symptoms.

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is usually either poorly maintained gas appliances such as gas fires or central heating systems, or bad ventilation. Hints to spot carbon monoxide leaks include looking for flames burning yellow instead of blue, and sooty deposits around appliances.

If there’s a possibility of exposure in your workplace, it is up to your employer to ensure that appliances are regularly checked and maintained, and perhaps even to install a carbon monoxide detector. You could make a claim against your employer if they have allowed carbon monoxide to leak which has subsequently affected you.

Similarly, if you’ve been affected when living in rented accommodation, in a public house or otherwise, it is the responsibility of the landlord or manager to make your safety a priority. If they fail to do this and you are poisoned then you should consider making a claim.

Making a Claim

National Accident Helpline™ are the UK’s leading personal injury specialists, which includes cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you’ve been exposed and think you may have a claim then make a call today to talk about compensation and your options.