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Chimney sweep information hub > Preventing Chimney fires and information about Carbon MonoxideWhat are the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide?Too much carbon monoxide in your blood will kill you and most of us know we should avoid this. A less well-known is the fact that low-level exposure to this gas also endangers your health. In the body, the red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. It can do this because the chemical bonds between the oxygen and the haemoglobin are weak enabling the red cells to easily drop the oxygen where it is needed. Carbon monoxide forms a more permanent bond with haemoglobin which can not normally be broken, effectively preventing the blood transporting oxygen to the body tissues. The side effects that can result from this low-level exposure include permanent organ and brain damage. Infants and the elderly are more susceptible than healthy adults, as are those with anaemia or heart disease. The symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning are so easily mistaken for those of the common cold, flu or exhaustion that proper diagnosis can be delayed. Because of this, be sure to see your doctor about persistent, flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue or general depression. Blocked chimney liners and blocked chimneys are dangerous. It is essential that your fireplace or wood appliances are swept with the correct sized chimney sweep brushes to remove soot and tar. Fireplaces and wood stoves that are maintained, cleaned and inspected frequently will last for many years and will remain safe. Help Prevent Chimney FiresIn 2008 alone, 9000 chimney fires wrecked the homes and lives of home-owners in the UK. Don''t be a statistic, make sure you get your chimney swept and appliance serviced and maintained annually. Chimney fires can burn explosively, noisily and dramatically enough to be detected by neighbours or passers by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Home-owners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a train or a low flying air plane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don''t get enough air or have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible as their more spectacular cousins. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause damage to the chimney structure - and nearby combustible parts of the house. If you think that your chimney is on fire call immediately the fire brigade; if possible, cut air supply to the chimney and make sure everyone around you / in your building is aware of this hazard. With regular chimney maintenance, you will dramatically reduce the risk of chimney fires. Clean chimneys are safer chimneys. |
