The risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide is not limited to indoor environments. There are many risks posed through travel and outdoor activities to be aware of.
Below is an overview of the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning in different travel scenarios.
These include.
Holiday Accommodation
Boating and Marine Activities
Cars and Vehicle Exhausts
When staying in holiday accommodation, it's important to be aware of the heating system that is being used.
Some accommodation may have heating systems that use combustion, such as gas heaters or wood-burning stoves. Malfunctioning or improperly ventilated heating systems can lead to elevated carbon monoxide levels in enclosed spaces like hotel rooms or rented accommodation, such as self-catered property.
Precautions to take
Always check that the heating appliances in your accommodation are functioning properly. A simple way to check that a gas boiler is working is to check the colour of the flame. If the appliance is working properly, the flame should be burning blue.
Ensure that the accommodation has carbon monoxide detectors installed, and if in doubt, request information about the maintenance of heating systems.
It's advisable to take a portable carbon monoxide detector with you, whenever you travel away from home, as recommended by the Safer Tourism Foundation on their website here.
Cathy Foley has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of carrying a CO alarm when travelling, following the tragic loss of her son, Hudson, whilst travelling in South America.
Boats and yachts often have fuel-burning appliances for cooking or heating. Poorly maintained or improperly used marine appliances can contribute to carbon monoxide buildup in confined spaces.
Boats have small living spaces, much the same size as a small bedsit. However, they are also sealed containers, essential for keeping water out, but also equally effective at retaining gases and fumes.
Many boats have multiple potential sources of fire and carbon monoxide. They may also have multiple engines and appliances for cooking, heating and lighting. Some of these will be powered on or in use whilst occupants are sleeping.
Precautions to take
Whether you are living, holidaying on or just spending the day on a boat, it's vital to ensure there is proper ventilation on boats and be cautious when using fuel-burning equipment.
All fuel-burning marine appliances should be regularly inspected and maintained. Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector onboard.
To read more about the carbon monoxide risk specifically on boats click here.
Sitting in a stationary vehicle with the engine running, especially in snow-covered areas, can lead to carbon monoxide entering the vehicle.
A number of studies have shown that carbon monoxide levels within the passenger cabins of cars approach, and in some cases exceed, WHO limits.
Comparison of in-car carbon monoxide values and ambient carbon monoxide, as measured by environmental stations, indicates that this is likely to be due to internal leakage of exhaust gases rather than to simple ingress of external pollution.
The public health implications of this are clear. In the UK, approximately 16.7m people commute to work by car. If carbon monoxide leaks are present in even a small percentage of these vehicles, the potential scale of carbon monoxide exposure is very high.
Given that young children are especially well-represented in the population of those who travel daily in cars, this is especially concerning.
Particularly given what we know about the increased susceptibility of carbon monoxide poisoning in children.
In 2018 the CO Research Trust funded a pilot study carried out by Dr Sophie Duggan of AirSafe London to look at measuring in car levels of carbon monoxide.
Read more about this study here.
Precautions to take
Avoid sitting in a stationary vehicle with the engine running for extended periods. If idling is necessary, ensure good ventilation.
To read more about the carbon monoxide risks in passenger vehicles click here.
Below is an overview of the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning in different outdoor scenarios.
These include.
Camping
Outdoor Heaters
Outdoor Events
In outdoor scenarios, awareness, precautionary measures, and understanding the potential sources of carbon monoxide are essential to mitigate the risks of exposure.
The risks of exposure to carbon monoxide primarily come from campfires and cooking appliances. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gas, charcoal or wood.
In colder weather conditions, individuals may be tempted to use fuel-burning devices inside enclosed spaces, such as tents or caravans, to stay warm. This can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
There are sadly many examples of fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning of people camping or caravaning.
In 2016 Cranfield’s CO+ Safety project examined the release of carbon monoxide during pyrolysis of charcoal and other solid fuels.
The fuels were burned in a controlled environment, controlling variables to establish the safest possible way to burn and extinguish solid fuels used in home and leisure environments.
These included boats, tents, caravans, domestic dwellings and specific working conditions.
The project sought to understand the fundamental principles of carbon monoxide release from different fossil fuels, and to develop a number of solutions that could be implemented and which will improve the safety of fossil fuel burning.
Read more about this project here.
Precautions to take
Set up cooking areas and campfires in well-ventilated spaces. Avoid using fuel-burning appliances inside tents or other enclosed spaces.
Never take a BBQ inside a tent or caravan to warm up.
Ensure there is good ventilation.
To read more about the carbon monoxide risk when camping click here.
Outdoor heaters that use fuels like propane can produce carbon monoxide. In enclosed outdoor spaces, such as covered patios, the buildup of carbon monoxide is possible.
Precautions to take
Use outdoor heaters in well-ventilated areas. Avoid using them in enclosed spaces, and be mindful of wind direction to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.
Outdoor events or gatherings where people use portable grills, stoves, or generators can pose a carbon monoxide risk if used in confined spaces without proper ventilation.
Generators emit carbon monoxide, and improper use, such as placing them in enclosed areas, can lead to poisoning.
Precautions to take
Keep cooking and heating equipment in open areas, and be aware of surroundings. Avoid using fuel-burning devices in enclosed vehicles or spaces.
Place generators in well-ventilated areas outdoors, away from open windows, doors, or vents. Always follow the manufacturer guidelines for safe operation.