9th October 2009 - Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm?

Linda McAvan MEP has urged residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning this winter. Research shows that some 20 million households in the UK are putting themselves at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning by not taking the necessary safety precautions.

Linda is supporting a UK campaign, ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all their gas, oil and solid-fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is backed by victims’ charities, professional organisations and energy companies, and by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location.

Linda said:

“Following the tragic deaths of two children from our region in 2006, I have been leading the campaign in the European Parliament to establish a requirement for all new homes and hotel rooms where gas is used, to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords and hotel managers to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate.”

 “Audible alarms only cost £15 and can be fitted in seconds but they could save your life. I would urge every household to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional.”

Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which can kill or cause lasting damage to your health. The early symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, loss of balance and forgetfulness. Research conducted for the campaign showed that only six per cent of people would describe themselves as “very confident” that they would recognise the symptoms, which can easily be confused with those of other illnesses, such as flu.

Zoe Forman, spokesperson for the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign, said:

“Carbon Monoxide has no colour, odour or taste and is impossible to detect without an alarm. It’s essential that the public know how to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is the first time that such a broad alliance of organisations has come together to campaign on the issue of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and we’re delighted that Linda McAvan has added her weight to the campaign.”

For more information visit: www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com.

Click here to see Linda interviewed about this story.