AM Adds Voice to Carbon Monoxide poisoning awareness campaign

5.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 15th Oct 2007

"This is an issue that is particularly important to me following the sad death of Margaret Powell and Thomas Morgan, an elderly couple living in Brecon, in December last year through carbon monoxide poisoning." Said Kirsty Williams Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire in support of the Age Concern Cymru and Wales and West Utilities awareness campaign.

Carbon Monoxide is a heavily toxic, colourless, tasteless, scentless gas which is created when fuel does not gain enough oxygen while burning. The campaign highlights that early symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for 'flu because the deadly gas is undetectable.

Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include faulty central heating systems, gas appliances and fires along with blocked flues and chimneys which trap gas in the house. In the UK, about 50 people die each year in their homes from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Kirsty said: "Awareness of this issue is vital as it is quite literally a matter of life and death.

"People can reduce the risk of exposure by ensuring that they have their chimneys and flues checked regularly; that gas appliances and heating systems are inspected every year; that carbon monoxide alarms are fitted; that that all gas products maintenance is carried out by a Corgi registered engineer.

"If you have any of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go to a hospital emergency department, particularly if several people in the household are affected, or if pets are affected as well."

More severe poisoning can result in a fast and irregular heart rate, hyperventilation, confusion, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. Seizures and loss of consciousness may also occur. Sometimes symptoms can occur days or even months after exposure to carbon monoxide in the form of confusion, loss of memory and problems with coordination. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death.

Kirsty commented: "My Lib Dem colleagues and I would like to see carbon monoxide detectors in all council and housing association owned properties. Particularly as these are often inhabited by those most at risk, namely the elderly and families with young children."