The Fire Service says carbon monoxide is a silent killer and the Ashburton tragedy should serve as a warning.
It's odourless, colourless and deadly.
"You've got hallways and things it's going to naturally track down, and because it is so lethal it is going to surpass the quantities of oxygen," says national fire investigations manager Peter Wilding.
Carbon monoxide frequently kills in enclosed spaces. Two fishermen were killed and another ended up in hospital after a charcoal burner was left burning inside their cabin.
A Taumarunui couple died after a patio heater was alight inside their bedroom, even though it had a warning.
"It binds to our blood much, much quicker than oxygen, about 200 times quicker," says Mr Wilding.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer with flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, nausea, dizziness, confusion and a flushed appearance. Once it has poisoned the bloodstream, victims effectively go to sleep - forever.
The Fire Service says because carbon monoxide is such an effective killer it doesn't make any difference whether it's a small area or an internal garage with house access – if a car is running, the only way to be safe is to open the garage door.
3 News
source: newshub archive
