Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home? Warning issued over dangers of the 'silent killer'

People are being warned of the danger of carbon monoxide, after new research reveals more than a quarter don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in their home.
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Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which people can’t see, smell, hear or taste - known as the silent killer.

Every year in the UK there are around 60 deaths in England and Wales from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are hospitalised

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The research from BestHeating reveals 26% of Brits don’t know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and often the symptoms are mistaken for the flu, food poisoning or even a hangover.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which people cant see, smell, hear or taste - known as the silent killer.Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which people cant see, smell, hear or taste - known as the silent killer.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which people cant see, smell, hear or taste - known as the silent killer.

The six main symptoms are:

Tension-type headache

Nausea/vomiting

Breathlessness

Dizziness

Erratic behaviour

General lethargy and confusion

Symptoms may be less severe when away from the source of the carbon monoxide.

Any person is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but some are more vulnerable than others such as the old and very young and people with chronic heart and respiratory conditions.

Pets are also affected by carbon monoxide and can help identify potential dangers. For example, cats will refuse to come into the house and dogs may have a sore mouth and appear irritable.

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Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels and can be caused by open fires, cookers, boilers, burning fuel in unventilated spaces, barbecues, blocked flues and chimneys, and by smoking shisha pipes indoors!

Worryingly, over half of Brits (57%) don’t know all of the sources of carbon monoxide poisoning, only one in 10 think barbecues can be a source and only 18% know open fires can also be a cause.

John Lawless, content marketing manager from BestHeating said: “It’s worrying that over a quarter of people don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in their home as they are potentially putting their lives at risk.

“We urge people across the country to purchase a carbon monoxide detector and be aware of the symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.”

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BestHeating’s top tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home

Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep

Never use gas stoves or burners to heat your tent

Never cook inside a tent or enclosed camping space

Have your central heating inspected at least once a year

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning immediately leave the affected area and call a gas emergency on 0800 111 999. If you feel very unwell seek urgent medical advice by calling 999.

For more information on the Silent Killer visit www.bestheating.com/thesilentkiller

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