Carbon monoxide​

If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999. The service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless, non-irritating gas which can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. Carbon monoxide can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• headache
• dizziness
• feeling sick or being sick
• feeling weak
• confusion
• chest and muscle pain
• shortness of breath 

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained. Appliances that can cause carbon monoxide include:

• gas boilers
• gas cookers and clay ovens
• gas or paraffin heaters
• wood, gas and coal fires
• portable generators

Using barbecues or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle or lawn mower engines in your garage, can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide. 

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Do:

• get a carbon monoxide alarm for each room of your home that contains appliances that burn gas, oil, coal or wood
• get heating and cooking appliances properly installed and keep them well maintained
• make sure your boiler is serviced regularly by a qualified engineer
• keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained

Do not:

• do not use a barbecue or camping stove indoors, or inside a tent. See our barbecue safety page for more information.
• do not leave vehicles or other engines on inside garages

The government website contains general information about carbon monoxide.

Information for landlords and tenants

Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room containing any fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers.  

This means a fixed apparatus where fuel of any type is burned to generate heat. These appliances are typically powered by gas, oil, coal, wood, such as gas or oil boilers, or log-burning stoves.

Read more about carbon monoxide guidance for landlords and tenants on the government website.