Public Health Impacts of Exposure to Carbon Monoxide From Gas Appliances in UK Homes – Are We Missing Something?

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless poisonous gas formed from the incomplete combustion of substances containing carbon. In the United Kingdom, over 22 million homes have mains or liquefied petroleum gas and consequently there is particular concern regarding potential CO poisoning resulting from malfunctioning domestic gas appliances. Although the number of reported cases of CO poisoning in the United Kingdom is relatively small, there is a high probability of misdiagnosis of the condition due to the ambiguous clinical symptoms of CO poisoning; incidence may therefore be much higher than currently reported. This review discusses the current knowledge on human health and toxicological effects following exposure to CO, focusing particularly on the public health impacts associated with gas appliances in UK homes. In determining the possibility of an underlying threat, the biological plausibility of misdiagnosis, in combination with reported cases, is discussed. The implication of misdiagnosis for public health treatment is also briefly summarised.

Investigation of audible carbon monoxide alarm ownership

“…Gas is delivered to approximately 20 million homes in the UK; the reported cases of accidental death due to CO poisoning are approximately 50, while non-fatal injuries account for 200 cases each year (Tam et al, 2012). Similar figures were reported in an investigation led by Baroness Finlay which indicated that 4,000 people are diagnosed with low levels of CO exposure (All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, 2011).…”

“…It is a colourless, odourless gas and as such is SASBE 3,1 difficult to notice, unlike natural gas, which has a smell added to aid its detection (Tuan et al, 1994;Tam et al, 2012). The main causes of CO in homes are when gas appliances have been poorly fitted, maintained or repaired but may occur if vents, flues and chimneys are blocked (CIEH, 2011).…”

“…In Turkey, cases of CO poisoning have been identified due to leaks in water heaters and stove tops (Katirci et al, 2010). It is no surprise then that CO poisoning is more prevalent in the winter months when heaters are used more regularly (Kao and Nañagas, 2006;Tam et al, 2012) alongside water heaters although the literature also suggests that cooking may also increase CO levels (Institute of Environment and Health, IEH, 1998).…”

The influence of ventilation systems on domestic gas appliances: An experimental study

“…Despite being long-standing, concerns about the impacts on public health due to exposure to CO produced by gas appliances are still current [3]. Most accidents are due to insufficient air intake or the poor condition of gas appliance installation and exhaust.…”

“…The kitchen window area is 1.80(w) Â 1.10(h) m 2 with an air permeability of q ¼ 1.4810Dp 0.645 [m 3 /h], according to local measurements. In the above air permeability results, the air flows from the outside to inside the flat e depressurization.…”