Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Each year around 50 people in the UK needlessly die because of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. In the home, CO gas is produced by fuel-burning appliances which have been poorly installed, maintained or are in an unventilated room.

The gas has no smell and is tasteless. CO poisoning can cause brain damage, coma and death. Anyone can be a victim, but people who spend a lot of time indoors are particularly vulnerable - older people, mothers with babies and students.

As part of CO Awareness Week, Dr. Chris Steele and members of charity CO-Awareness visited the House of Lords to highlight the dangers of CO exposure to government Ministers and MPs.

Dr Steele said: “I would like to see the Government carry out further research into the long term health consequences of exposure to carbon monoxide and toxic combustion.

"Almost all of the victims are completely unaware that they have and are being poisoned every day. They and their doctors are completely unaware that their illnesses are probably due to carbon monoxide exposure.”

Lynn Griffiths, president of CO-Awareness, added: “I only know too well the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning as my family were poisoned by this silent killer for over a decade. Sadly, I lost my husband ten years ago this year and I believe carbon monoxide was to blame.

"But people can avoid the dangers of CO exposure by doing simple, regular checks around the house. For example, looking out for sooty stains on the wall, orange flames instead of blue and condensation on walls are all symptoms of poor combustion which produces Carbon Monoxide.

"Having your fuel burning appliances serviced or inspected by the appropriate, registered trades-people, would also help minimise the risk of CO in your home.”

During the week, the charity CO-Awareness will be travelling up and down the country to increase public awareness on the dangers of CO exposure and ways to prevent it.

They will also be campaigning for better support and understanding for victims of CO poisoning and their families.

Last year, 234 people were admitted to hospital due to CO poisoning and at least 50 died from it, but the charity believes exposure to CO is grossly under-reported and undiagnosed, and could be affecting millions of people in the UK each year.

This article was published on Thu 19 November 2009