Warning on carbon monoxide poisoning

Now that daylight savings time has ended, it’s time to start heating our homes again. If you neglect to ventilate your home properly, you may experience health problems.

A heating system with an insufficient oxygen supply can lead to high levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, but being colourless, odourless, tasteless and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Some people even die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Good maintenance of equipment and ventilation are therefore both important. The Hague’s Public Health Department (GGD) is calling attention to carbon monoxide poisoning this winter in its Gezond Wonen (Healthy Living) campaign.

The GGD and The Hague Fire Department strongly recommend that residents hang up a CO detector, a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Like a smoke detector, this detector sounds an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate. People are given adequate warning to evacuate the house and to call the fire department.

Sources of carbon monoxide include a water boiler, gas heater and central heating boiler. Carbon monoxide can get into the house if there is a leak or an obstruction in the exhaust pipe.

Ventilation

You can prevent high concentrations of carbon monoxide by having your heating systems checked annually and by opening doors and windows regularly to let out the moisture-laden air. If the flame in the boiler or heater is orange instead of blue, the equipment needs to be checked. Ventilation of your home also prevents dampness, mould and mildew.