Beware Silent Killer

Published by Holly George for Mears Group PLC in Communities and also in Education, Housing

Campaigners today issued a stark warning; ‘Carbon Monoxide Kills’ to coincide with the sixth annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.  Often called the silent killer Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that causes the deaths of approximately 50 people in the UK each year.

Housing Maintenance experts, Mears have teamed up with charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness to highlight the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning across the UK.  Teams of volunteers will be knocking on doors throughout the UK to warn people about the dangers.  Volunteers are hoping to speak to at least 25,000 people during the week which runs from 21st – 28 November.

Lynn Griffiths, President of the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity and a victim of CO poisoning said; “I know only too well the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning as my family were poisoned by this silent killer for over a decade. 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.”

Poisoning by CO is almost certainly under-diagnosed and there could well be a large number of people being exposed and suffering the ill effects of exposure.  Older people, children, pregnant women and their babies and those with breathing problems or cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk.

Alan Long, Director at Mears said; ‘Carbon Monoxide is the most common poison within the UK.  By ensuring that all fuel burning appliances and associated flues are maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, chimneys are swept and inspected regularly and that an audible CO alarm is fitted we can help protect ourselves and our families from the dangers of carbon monoxide.’

Bob Kerr, Head of Safety Strategy at British Gas who are also supporting the campaign said “Carbon Monoxide poisoning remains a very real risk.  But deaths from carbon monoxide are entirely preventable.  British Gas strongly recommends the fitting of an audible CO alarm in all of our customers’ homes along with regular maintenance of appliances”.

To find out more information about the dangers of CO poisoning please visit Carbon Monoxide Awareness’s website http://www.covictim.org/