Health agency warns of carbon monoxide dangers

Carbon monoxide can be especially dangerous, as it is invisible and non-irritant, and has no smell. It is usually produced after a malfunction of a machine or heater powered by gas, wood, charcoal, fuel, petrol or propane.

There were 1,041 incidents of carbon monoxide intoxication in France between 2016-17, with more than 100 deaths. The number of damaging incidents increased by 24% over this year’s winter period compared to the year before, according to French newspaper Le Figaro.

The agency advises people to follow instructions and directions on heaters to the letter and ensure they are well-maintained and functioning correctly.

All hot water heaters, smoke conduits and other heating systems should be installed by a professional, and regularly checked to ensure that any evacuation or ventilation flues are still working, and are not blocked by falling leaves, for example.

When using heaters or other systems, users should also ensure that there is always ventilation to the room at the same time.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed where possible, especially in rooms where heaters are used and bedrooms.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, tiredness and nausea, and worsen quickly. At their worst, symptoms include vertigo, loss of consciousness, muscle paralysis, behavioural problems, and can even cause the victim to fall into a coma.

They are likely to affect anyone in the vicinity of the carbon monoxide leak. Symptoms will only get worse - and can cause death - unless the source of the poisoning is found and contained.

Anyone with any suspicion of carbon monoxide issues at all should call one of the emergency service numbers - 15, 18, 112, or 114 for those with hearing problems - and report the problem as soon as possible.