Isn the warning on carbon monoxide a bit over-dramatic?
Whenever solid fuels are burned, carbon monoxide (CO) is released. Charcoal is a particular offender pushing out huge amounts of CO – and can be particularly dangerous because it is often percieved as a cleaner fuel because it doesn’t give off smoke. Carbon monoxide is a lethal colourless odorless gas; you can’t smell or see it. It is much more easily abosrbed into haemoglobin in our blood than oxygen, so it suffocates humans. DO NOT use wood or charcoal stoves in homes, tents, caravans or any enclosed space; good ventilation is required for safety. If you want indoor space heating, you need a stove with a chimney. Pregnant women and children are particularly senisitive. If you think you’ve been exposed, get fresh air and seek medical attention.
