Carbon monoxide? What is it, and why you should be making sure your gas heaters are being checked at every service!

So you have decided its time for the trusty gas heater to have a service, but who do you call? My recommendation is a specialised gas plumber/technician who specialises in gas appliance servicing/repairs and one who uses high quality carbon monoxide/flue analysing testing tools such as Testo or Bacharach(ideally one with a probe!)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly at high concentrations. It is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas and LPG.

Gas heaters are a common source of carbon monoxide if they are not functioning properly or have a split/crack in the heat exchanger.

Another way carbon monoxide can enter the home is via the negative pressure effect with well sealed home and powerful exhaust fans, a negative pressure test should also be a crucial part of the service if the heater type requires it.

Detection of CO Leaks:

Regular CO testing can detect leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Even low levels of CO exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms. Prolonged or high exposure can be fatal. A CO test ensures that any leaks are identified and repaired promptly.

The amount of heaters i have decommissioned that the customer had been using without knowing the amount of carbon monoxide it was spilling into their home is astounding

I have included some more facts about the effects of carbon monoxide and some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning below:

Mechanism of Toxicity

The primary mechanism by which carbon monoxide harms humans is through its interaction with hemoglobin in the blood:

1. Formation of Carboxyhemoglobin: When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells to form carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO). Hemoglobin is the molecule responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with an affinity approximately 240 times greater than that of oxygen. This strong bond prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen, leading to hypoxia (a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues).

2. Impairment of Oxygen Transport: The formation of carboxyhemoglobin reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported by the blood. As a result, tissues and organs receive insufficient oxygen, which is critical for their function and survival. The brain and heart are particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation.

3. Disruption of Cellular Respiration: Carbon monoxide also disrupts cellular respiration at the mitochondrial level. It inhibits cytochrome oxidase, an enzyme involved in the electron transport chain, which is essential for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This further exacerbates the effects of oxygen deprivation.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary depending on the level and duration of exposure:

1. Mild Exposure:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

1. Moderate Exposure:

• Confusion

• Disorientation

• Visual disturbances

• Impaired coordination

• Chest pain (in people with heart disease)

1. Severe Exposure:

• Loss of consciousness

• Seizures

• Coma

• Death

Long-Term Effects

Chronic exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide can also have long-term health effects, including:

• Cognitive impairments such as memory loss and difficulties with concentration

• Neurological damage leading to persistent headaches, dizziness, and mood changes

• Cardiovascular problems, particularly in individuals with preexisting heart conditions

Vulnerable Populations

Certain populations are more vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide:

• Children: Their bodies process CO differently, and they may show symptoms more quickly than adults.

• Pregnant Women: CO can cross the placental barrier, affecting the fetus and potentially leading to developmental issues or stillbirth.

• Elderly Individuals: They may have preexisting health conditions that make them more susceptible to CO poisoning.

• People with Chronic Health Conditions: Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk of severe complications from CO exposure.

For more information about carbon monoxide testing, please see the Energy safe Victoria video below.