All landlords must have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. They must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
Impact on health
Carbon Monoxide reduces the inability of blood to take up oxygen. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea. Exposure can cause increased chest pain in people with heart disease. A high concentration can cause unconsciousness and death.
Nitrogen dioxide affects the respiratory system and can aggravate asthma. There is an increased risk of bacterial and viral infection of the lung.
Sulphur dioxide can cause bronchitis and breathlessness as a result of open fires. It can also aggravate asthma.
Causes
- Carbon monoxide produced by fuels containing carbon, gas and oil
- Nitrogen dioxide produced by gas and oil burning appliances
- Sulphur dioxide produced by oil and solid fuel burning appliances
All these result from an incomplete or improper combustion of the fuel.
Prevention
- Proper installation and maintenance of gas/oil/solid fuel burning appliances
- Adequate air supply for appliances
- Proper sizing, siting and connection of flues
- Adequate ventilation in rooms with such appliances
- Regular maintenance of flues
- Gas heating appliances fitted with flues for balanced flow of air
- Ventilated lobby between integral garage and living accommodation
- Properly sited and maintained carbon monoxide detectors