Monday 17th November marks the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. This includes activites around the country and is about raising public awareness of the dangers. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been defined as the silent killer produced by poor combustion of fossil fuels. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that affects the bloods ability to carry oxygen and can prove fatal in as little as one minute in high concentrations. Symptoms progress from headaches, to nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, unconsciousness and ultimately death.

Some key actions to take from CO Consumer Awareness Alliance: 

• Make sure your appliances are checked annually by engineers who have the relevant professional accreditation (Corgi registered).
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that is certified to European Standard EN50291
• Recognise the symptoms: flu, nausea, tiredness, headaches, stomach or chest pains.
• Look out for tell tale signs from appliances: sooting, staining, condensation, lazy orange flames.
• In an emergency stop using the appliance and ventilate the area. The appliance should be checked by an appropriately accredited professional and seek medical advise.
• It is dangerous to block ventilation.Insufficent air at the appliance may lead to poor combustion and production of carbon monoxide.

For further information please refer to the website: www.CO-BeAlarmed.co.uk