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Indoor air pollution: Carbon monoxide
Risks to health and how to avoid them
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Document type:Leaflet
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Author:Department of Health
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Published date:25 November 2005
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Primary audience:Public
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Product number:271087
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Gateway reference:5539
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Pages:4
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Copyright holder:Crown
Air pollution can be a problem indoors as well as outside and it can adversely affect your health. There are many potential sources of air pollution indoors, this leaflet provides information about one important pollutant, Carbon monoxide, a lethal gas.
Accidental exposure to carbon monoxide kills more than 50 people each year in England and Wales. It is a colourless and odourless gas produced when gas or other fossil fuels burn without enough air. Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated cooking and heating devices are the main sources.
Headaches, tiredness, difficulty in thinking clearly and feeling sick are common symptoms. Young people's academic work may deteriorate. If you suffer from these symptoms, see your doctor at once and call an engineer to check all your cooking and heating appliances.
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