5 December 2008
Doctors at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust are reminding homeowners and landlords across Sutton, Merton and Surrey of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the simple steps that they can take to protect themselves and others from harm.
The warning follows National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning which kills approximately 40 people and injures around 300 a year.
Consultant Dr Martin Stockwell has treated patients with carbon monoxide poisoning. He said it’s a serious threat that people need to be aware of.
He said: "By educating ourselves on its dangers and the signs to look out for, we can significantly reduce the health risk as well as save lives.
"Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer. You cannot see, smell or taste the fumes but the damage it can do if undetected can be life-threatening and often fatal. Carbon monoxide starves the blood of oxygen, causing the body to suffocate from within.
"I would encourage local residents and landlords to check appliances in their home which may not have been properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent CORGI-registered installer. Approved carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended too, although these must not be used as a substitute for regular checks and servicing by a CORGI-registered installer."
Signs to look out for on boilers, fires and cookers include:
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yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame);
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soot or stains around the appliance;
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a pilot light that frequently blows out.
People who are exposed to carbon monoxide may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea and tiredness. High concentrations can cause people to become confused, they may collapse and become unconscious. Exposure to lower concentrations of carbon monoxide for a longer period may affect young people’s school work and an adult’s ability to concentrate and think clearly.
Dr Stockwell added: "These symptoms will begin to disappear when the patient leaves the gas-filled environment or is removed from it. However, if no action is taken, the gas will continue to accumulate in the blood, eventually leading to brain damage or death if no action is taken."
Anyone suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the area of risk immediately.
