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PRESS RELEASE
Issued on behalf of the
Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group
16 November 2009
Carbon Monoxide Kills
Around 50 people are killed and hundreds more suffer the ill-effects of carbon monoxide poisoning every year in the UK.
Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ – you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. Carbon monoxide is released from the burning of carbon-containing substances including coal, gas, oil, petrol, paraffin, charcoal and wood.
To mark Carbon Monoxide Week (16-20 November), the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group (SAAPLG) is urging members of the public to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide and to make sure your heating appliances are installed, checked and maintained every year by a qualified engineer.
Dr Vinod Tohani, Public Health Agency and Chair of SAAPLG explains: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal or cause long-term health problems if victims are exposed to low doses over a long period of time. Health conditions may include heart problems, brain damage, memory loss and concentration problems.”
“There tends to be an increase in the reported cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter months as we use more heating. The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide are often mistaken for food poisoning or flu. However with carbon monoxide poisoning victims do not have a raised temperature.”
Signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide:
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Drowsiness, (wanting to go to sleep more than usual)
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• 'Flu like' symptoms
• Palpitations, (feeling your heart beat oddly)
• Chest pain
• Collapse without necessarily losing consciousness, followed by unconsciousness and perhaps death.
Nina Daly, Accident Prevention Officer with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) highlighted those more at risk to carbon monoxide poisoning: “People more vulnerable to the affects of carbon monoxide include the elderly, children, students, pregnant women, Minority Ethnic Groups, people in rented accommodation, and anyone with heart or breathing problems. Pets are also at risk.”
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
• Sweep chimneys and flues every year if you use solid fuel.
• If you are in rented accommodation check your landlord can provide you with an up-to-date gas safety record. This is a requirement by law and is particularly important for students renting houses and flats.
• Keep flues, air vents and grilles clear and ensure rooms are well ventilated.
• Invest in a Carbon Monoxide detector or alarm. These cost as little as £20.00 and can be bought at large DIY stores and food retail companies.
Dr Tohani concluded: “I would encourage everyone to make sure your heating appliances are installed, checked and maintained every year by a qualified engineer and do not allow unqualified engineers or individuals to perform these tasks.”
For further information on carbon monoxide poisoning or carbon monoxide detectors or for information in alternative languages contact Nina Daly at the SHSCT on (028) 3834 4973.
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