Every year in this country there are a number of deaths which are attributed to accidents in the home with Gas.

There are many types of gas which are harmful to humans and some of these can exist within your home. One of the most common gasses to be found in homes is Radon. A recent study by the World Health Organisation revealed that Ireland has the 6th highest average levels of Radon Gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas which is present in rocks and soil. However, just because it is a naturally occurring substance does not mean that it is safe. Radon has been classed as a Carcinogen by the International Agency on Research for Cancer. When it is in open spaces it is diluted by air to safe levels, however when it is allowed to accumulate in an enclosed space, such as a house, it can build to levels with are harmful to health. The difficulty with Radon is that it is colourless, odourless and tasteless which means that the normal human senses of smell, sight and taste will not alert us to its presence. The amount of Radon in a location can vary based on the amount of granite and limestone in the area as Radon is prevalent in these types of rock. If you feel that Radon may be a problem in the area you live there are many agencies that are equipped to carry out professional monitoring to see if it is present in dangerous amounts.

Another type of gas that may exist in your home is Carbon Monoxide. Often referred to as The Silent Killer, like the Radon it too is also odourless, tasteless and colourless. However, unlike Radon, Carbon Monoxide is normally given off by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. In the home it could come from equipment which is not working correctly such as faulty or damaged heating equipment, heating appliances not being serviced, blocked chimneys or flues, and indoor use of barbeque’s and other equipment designed for outdoor cooking. A person who has been exposed to Carbon Monoxide (CO) may exhibit symptoms such as sickness, headaches, muscular weakness and even chest pains. To reduce the potential for this exposure check your house to ensure that vents are not blocked, check that your gas or oil burner is serviced by a competent professional at least once per year and if you burn solid fuel ensure that the chimney is swept on a frequent basis and that flues do not become blocked. Beware also when carrying out home repairs or renovations that existing vents and flues do not become obstructed during the works and that they are clear and working correctly once the work has been completed.

Many homes now have a barbeque and use it regularly for cooking. Unlike previous years the most common type now is the gas barbeque. This is seen as the more preferred version as it is perceived to be more time efficient, cleaner and safer. However if you use a gas bottle with your barbeque there are still some safety steps to follow to ensure the safety of everyone in your home:

• Ensure when not in use that the gas bottle is stored safely, where it cannot be knocked over or damaged
• Take care when carrying and moving the bottle and don’t forget to mind your back as well. You can get another bottle of gas…
• Ensure the hose used for connecting the bottle to the grill is in good order and is free from signs of damage
• Use the barbeque in accordance with the manufacturers instructions only.

Another potential source of danger is if you have Natural Gas in your home. Once it has been correctly installed and the burner is maintained at least annually by a professional Bord Gais approved person it is an extremely safe and efficient way to heat your house. However, much like the Carbon Monoxide, if vents and flues become blocked, or burners are not serviced correctly it can accumulate to dangerous levels. Unlike Carbon Monoxide and Radon, Natural Gas does have a smell. If you smell gas contact Bord Gais immediately and do not touch or switch on any electrical appliances including lights.

There is no substitute for vigilance in your home when it comes to the presence and control of dangerous gasses. The cost of not doing so could be your life or that of someone else in your home.