Fire protection guide Why are some gases so dangerous?

Carbon monoxide, CO for short, is a poisonous gas that can neither be seen, tasted nor smelled. The gas is dangerous when combustion processes take place in closed rooms and the exhaust gases cannot be properly discharged. Sources of danger in the household are, for example, fireplaces, inadequately maintained or defective gas boilers, heating systems or a backflow of exhaust gases due to blocked exhaust and supply air passages. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness within a few breaths and, in the worst case, death by suffocation - without us noticing.

This is what sufferers suspect is behind carbon monoxide poisoning
Those affected continue to breathe without discomfort and usually do not notice anything apart from non-specific symptoms. Some suspect that they are coming down with the flu or a cold, or that they have eaten something bad. That is why they usually do not see a doctor.

These can be symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

• General malaise
• Irritability, confusion
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath, cramps
• In the course of the poisoning, lips and cheeks turn distinctly red.
• Unconsciousness often occurs later

What to do if Co2 poisoning is suspected?

• If possible: Switch off the appliance
• Leave the room immediately - it is best to go out into the fresh air
• Call the fire brigade and the ambulance

The combustible gas methane serves as the main component of natural gas. Around half of the households in Germany use it for cooking and heating. (German Association of Energy and Water Industries [BDEW], as of 01/2021). In combination with oxygen, methane gas is highly flammable. Anything that causes electric sparks or flames can lead to an explosion in the event of a gas leak. Experts refer to such a case as a "deflagration". In this scenario, flipping on a light switch can blow up a flat.

How can I detect leaking gas in time?
Natural gas consists of a gas mixture with a high proportion of methane gas. Since all gases are odourless, a scent is added to the natural gas used for heating and cooking. This provides the typical gas smell or the smell of "rotten eggs". Nevertheless, gas leaks or leaking pipes often go unnoticed. For example, when we are asleep: our sense of smell is also asleep then.

When prices for gas and oil rise, many private households become inventive: barbecues, camping cookers, radiant heaters or fire baskets move into flats and houses. But these supposedly inexpensive heating alternatives are life-threatening indoors. They extract oxygen from the air and produce toxic carbon monoxide fumes. There is not only an acute risk of fire, but also of poisoning. So: no experiments with heating!