Gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood can all produce carbon monoxide.
Too many people in the UK die needlessly or become seriously ill because of carbon monoxide poisoning each year. According to the Department of Health, 50 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning last year and another 4,000 were treated in hospital. However, the true number is likely to be much higher as the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or tiredness. Even if not fatal, carbon monoxide poisoning can leave lasting problems such as brain damage.
Laws to protect British homes are lagging behind the US and putting thousands of people at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning – that’s the message from leading US campaigners Ken and Kim Hansen who are starting a week-long tour of the UK to promote carbon monoxide awareness. For more information on this year’s campaign, check out these articles in the Daily Mail and Sky News.
Steps to keep your household safe
*Relates to deaths from all fuel types including gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood.
Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. It is run by Energy UK, funded by Britain’s six major gas and electricity companies, and supported by a wide range of charities and other organisations.
Do follow the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign on Twitter and Facebook, to get the latest updates and news.
Videos
How to install an alarm
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Dr Rob Hicks and Melissa Matthews
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