Public health experts across the Isle of Wight are urging people to be aware of a silent killer potentially lurking in their homes.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. It’s produced when carbon-containing fuels burn without enough oxygen, such as gas (domestic and bottled), oil (domestic and those used in portable heaters such as paraffin), and solid fuels (such as coal, wood, biomass and charcoal).
Image: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Gas Safe Charity recently launched a major new programme to raise awareness of the “silent killer” The “Be Gas Safe” programme www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk aims to make people aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and the steps that can be taken to prevent CO poisoning, such as the need for regular servicing of fuel-burning appliances, good ventilation and the use of audible CO detectors.
Dr Andrew Mortimore, on behalf of the Directors of Public Health for the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth PCT Cluster, is warning householders to ensure their heating and cooking appliances are properly installed and maintained.
Dr Mortimore said: “Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be lethal, and even at non-fatal levels it can cause serious health problems. Around one person a week dies each year in England and Wales because of carbon monoxide poisoning, and around 200 more suffer serious injuries.
“A further 4,000 end up in the Emergency Department in England alone because they’ve inhaled this potentially lethal gas.
“Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss and, in serious cases, coma and death.
“Pregnant women and their unborn babies are at particular risk.”
Always ensure appliances using carbon-containing fuels, such as boilers, other heating devices and cooking facilities, are professionally installed and maintained by a registered and qualified engineer.
Other carbon monoxide sources include:
• Barbecues – never use in a confined space such as a tent or awning
• Portable generators which burn fuel such as gas, petrol or diesel – never use in confined spaces such as inside a building or boat
• Mobile lodgings, such as caravans, may contain heating and cooking appliances that have the potential to produce carbon monoxide – adequate ventilation is essential
• Portable heating and lighting appliances, such as paraffin lamps, should not be used in confined spaces with inadequate ventilation.
And be aware that carbon monoxide, like any gas, can spread within building structures from a source that may be beyond your control, such as within a block of flats or from a neighbouring property.
Dr Mortimore added: “Audible carbon monoxide alarms, compliant to EN 50291, are readily available from supermarkets and other stores. Like smoke alarms, they can give you a vital warning, allowing you to take appropriate action.
“Don’t risk it – carbon monoxide can and does kill. Being aware, and taking some basic precautions, could save you or others from becoming another statistic.”
More information can be found on the Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk/chemicals/co website link.
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