Carbon Monoxide Safety for Elderly Parents

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Short-term exposure may cause:

• Dizziness

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

• Chest pain or breathlessness

• Collapse or confusion

• Seizures, coma, or death

Long-term exposure can lead to:

• Fatigue

• Changes in mood or memory

• Balance problems

• Sleep disturbance

• Muscle spasms or tinnitus

• Dementia-like symptoms

Pets can also be affected, if they suddenly become drowsy, vomit, or struggle to breathe, consider CO poisoning as a possible cause.

Acute exposure to CO can cause:

• Dizziness

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains

• Chest pain or generalised pain

• Breathlessness

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Coma

• Death

Chronic exposure over time may lead to:

• Persistent fatigue

• Mood or personality changes

• Muscle spasms

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Sleep disturbances

• Confusion or dementia-like symptoms

• Balance problems

• Stomach pains

Pets are also vulnerable to CO poisoning. If they exhibit sudden behavioural changes, drowsiness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or develop bright cherry-red lips, ears, and gums, CO exposure should be considered as a possible cause.

You can’t see, hear, or smell carbon monoxide. It builds up when fuel-burning appliances aren’t working properly or when ventilation is poor.

The fix: Install CO alarms in every room with a gas, oil, or solid-fuel appliance. They cost around £15–£20. Test them every month and replace them as the manufacturer recommends.

• Gas cookers

• Boilers

• Fires and log burners

• Gas or paraffin heaters

• Oil-burning stoves

• Barbecues

• Car engines

• Cigarettes

• Have a Gas Safe Registered engineer check all gas appliances yearly.

• Clean chimneys and flues annually.

• Never run a car engine in a closed garage.

• Don’t bring a barbecue inside a tent or enclosed space.

• Keep rooms well ventilated when using heaters or fires.

Look for:

• Yellow or orange flames instead of blue.

• Dark stains around appliances.

• More condensation than usual.

• Pilot lights that blow out often.

Smoke alarms won’t detect carbon monoxide, you need a separate CO alarm. Look for the UK safety standard (EN 50291) and choose one with an audible alarm.

If anyone in the home has hearing or vision loss, pick a model with a strobe light or vibration alert. Most alarms last 5–10 years, but test them regularly and replace them when needed.

If you suspect CO poisoning:

1. Open all doors and windows to let in fresh air.

2. Move everyone outside immediately.

3. Call 999 if anyone shows symptoms.

4. Tell emergency staff you suspect CO poisoning.

5. Call the Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999.

6. Don’t go back inside until professionals say it’s safe.

7. Have a Gas Safe engineer check all appliances before using them again.

Carbon monoxide is only one part of home safety for older adults. While checking alarms, it’s worth reviewing a few other essentials:

• Make sure smoke alarms are also working.

• Keep walkways clear of clutter or cables.

• Install grab rails in bathrooms if balance is an issue.

• Keep a torch and spare batteries nearby in case of power cuts.

• Write down key emergency numbers and keep them near the phone.

These small changes create a safer, calmer space for your parent and peace of mind for you.

Landlords must install carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties across the UK. You can find more details on government websites for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025