Beware Carbon Monoxide danger

Written by Peter Black and published in Seaside News November 2007 on Sat 20th Oct 2007

A recent campaign being run by Age Concern Cymru and Wales and West Utilities to raise awareness of the risks posed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning is well worth supporting.

Carbon Monoxide is a heavily toxic, colourless, tasteless, scentless gas which is created when fuel does not gain enough oxygen while burning. The gas accounts for more than thirty deaths a year in the UK and can be difficult to detect due to its lack of colour, taste and odour.

This gas can be created in our homes by poorly serviced boilers and heating. It represents a particular danger due to the fact it has no obvious taste, smell or colour but even low levels of Carbon Monoxide can be fatal if enough is inhaled.

The message in this campaign is to ensure that all household appliances that burn fuels are properly maintained and that air vents are not blocked. It's also crucial that all maintenance on gas products is carried out by a Corgi registered engineer.

Please take note and if you do not have one, get a Carbon Monoxide detector. They can cost as little as £20 and are a worthwhile investment.