How do you test for carbon monoxide poisoning? It is a worrying thing to consider, but it could be one of the most important questions you ever ask. Carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal and often occurs without warning. It can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, seizures, chest pain, and loss of consciousness, meaning treatment often needs to be sought quickly.
Knowing how to test for carbon monoxide poisoning is a key part of prevention. Carbon monoxide alarms are cheap and easy to install, and early detection can save lives. If a carbon monoxide alarm is beeping, you should vacate the premises immediately and get fresh air. In this article, we explore the answer to how do you test for carbon monoxide poisoning, how to detect carbon monoxide in the home, and why prevention is always better than cure.
How Do You Test for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
If you suspect exposure, the only way to officially confirm carbon monoxide poisoning is through a medical professional. Self-diagnosis is not possible. Doctors typically use the following methods:
- Blood Tests: To measure the level of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the bloodstream.
- Breath Tests: To measure the concentration of CO in exhaled air.
- CO Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive sensor that measures carbon monoxide saturation in the blood.
- Physical Evaluation: Assessing clinical symptoms alongside your medical history.
But if you want to know how to test for carbon monoxide poisoning at home, this means checking whether carbon monoxide is present in the property. Unless you are a medical professional, you cannot self-diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning. If your alarm is making a noise or you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to call 999 immediately.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Homes?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide gas. This can happen without you noticing and is often caused by everyday appliances such as gas boilers, gas cookers, wood burners, gas or coal fires, or even running a car in an enclosed garage.
Poor ventilation, faulty appliances, and lack of regular maintenance all increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
How to Detect Carbon Monoxide in Your Home
To “test” for CO at home really means detecting its presence in the air before it affects your health. The only reliable way to do this is by installing audible carbon monoxide detectors. These should be placed in hallways, near sleeping areas, and close to any fuel-burning appliances.
Beyond the alarm, watch for these physical “red flags” in your property:
- Flame Colour: A yellow or orange flame on a gas cooker (instead of a crisp blue one).
- Sooty Stains: Dark marks around boilers or fires.
- Pilot Lights: Lights that frequently blow out.
- Excess Condensation: Unexpected moisture on windows can sometimes signal a combustion issue.
What to Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a wide range of health issues, including dizziness, nausea, confusion, and stomach pain. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak or are experiencing symptoms, do not hesitate.
- Ventilate: Open all windows and doors only if it doesn’t delay your exit.
- Turn off Appliances: Only if it is safe and immediate to do so.
- Evacuate: Get into fresh air immediately.
- Call for Help: Contact emergency services (999) and seek medical attention right away.
Carbon Monoxide Prevention for Homes and Rentals
The first, and probably the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, is to install a carbon monoxide alarm that emits a loud alert. Ideally, there should be an alarm in each room containing appliances that burn gas, oil, coal, or wood.
Carbon monoxide leaks are often caused by poor installation or a lack of maintenance. Ensuring appliances are installed by qualified professionals, serviced regularly, and kept in well-ventilated spaces can significantly reduce the risk.
Carbon Monoxide Prevention Starts with Early Detection
Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous, and prevention is key, which is why it is important to understand the warning signs and know what action to take if something goes wrong. Although Resisure’s smart monitoring technology does not act as a carbon monoxide monitor, our systems give landlords and property managers real-time visibility into factors such as indoor air quality, including the environmental conditions that can be linked to carbon monoxide risk, such as humidity and mould.
By tracking factors such as air quality, temperature, humidity and more, our sensors help you detect changes in your properties early and act before harm occurs. Effective monitoring can support compliance with safety standards and reduce the likelihood of broader property disrepair, helping you protect both tenants and your properties.
If you have concerns about property disrepair and want to understand how to prevent it in your property, especially in the wake of Awaab’s Law and the Renters Rights Act, speak to the Resisure team to find out how monitoring and air quality solutions can help keep homes safe.
What are the common symptoms of CO exposure?
Symptoms can appear quickly or gradually and include:
Headaches, dizziness, and weakness.
Nausea, stomach pain, and confusion.
Chest pain, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
How is carbon monoxide poisoning officially diagnosed?
You cannot self-diagnose CO poisoning. It must be confirmed by a medical professional using specialised tests, such as:
Blood Tests: Measuring carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Breath Tests: Checking CO concentration in exhaled air.
CO Pulse Oximetry: Using a non-invasive sensor to check blood saturation.
How can I test for carbon monoxide in my home?
The only reliable way to detect CO is by installing audible carbon monoxide alarms. These should be placed near sleeping areas, in hallways, and close to any fuel-burning appliances.
What are the physical “red flags” of a CO leak in a property?
Beyond your alarm, look for these visual cues:
Flame Colour: A yellow or orange flame on gas cookers (it should be crisp blue).
Sooty Stains: Dark marks or soot around boilers or fires.
Pilot Lights: Lights that frequently blow out.
Condensation: Unexpectedly heavy moisture on windows near appliances.
What should I do if my CO alarm sounds?
Ventilate: Open windows and doors (only if it doesn’t delay your exit).
Turn off Appliances: Only if safe and immediate to do so.
Evacuate: Get into fresh air immediately.
Call for Help: Contact emergency services (999) and seek medical attention.