Carbon Monoxide Are you at Risk?

- Press Release

The Manx Accident Prevention Forum led by the DHSS Public Health Directorate is supporting Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week which takes place from Monday 16 November 2009.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week aims to raise the profile of carbon monoxide poisoning by focusing on the dangers as well as the simple steps for safety and prevention, the symptoms and where to seek help and advice. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service is offering the public an opportunity to have a chat about carbon monoxide poisoning during their electric blanket testing week which takes place on the 16th November at Ramsey Town Hall, 17th at Castletown Civic Centre and 18th in the Press Office at the TT Grandstand between 10 am and 4 pm.

Alan Crowe, MLC, Member for Health said: "We are delighted to be working with our partners both in the public and private sector to raise awareness of this issue. By highlighting the dangers and preventative interventions could reduce the risk of further incidents in the future.” Rob Greaves, Gas Safe Register said: "Gas Safe Register exists to protect the public from dangerous gas work. Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of lethal carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and can also lead to gas leaks, explosions and fires.

By using a Gas Safe Registered engineer you can feel safe in the knowledge that they are competent and qualified to work safely and legally with gas in Great Britain and the Isle of Man. Be Gas Safe. Always ask to see the Gas Safe ID card." Information leaflets are available from the DHSS Public Health Directorate, telephone 642639 or download a copy at www.accidentprevention.gov.im - END -

Notes to Editors

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you can't see, taste or smell. It is released when a carbon-containing fuel such as gas, oil, coke, petrol or wood does not burn fully because there is not enough air available

. • This can happen when appliances such as room and water heaters, fires and cookers, have been wrongly installed or poorly maintained, or when a chimney, flue or air vent into a room, such as an air brick, has been fully or partially blocked.

• Accidental exposure to CO can kill, sometimes in a matter of minutes. Exposure to low levels of CO can still cause serious harm to your health if breathed in over a long period. Are your heating and cooking appliances safe? Look for signs of incomplete burning of fuel:

• Pilot light or flame from gas appliance burning orange or yellow instead of mostly blue (this does not apply to fuel effect, living flame or decorative flame gas fires - they are designed to have flames which look like those from a solid fuel appliance). • Pilot light frequently blowing out. CO may be present if you notice:

• Sooty or yellow/brown staining on or around appliance.

• See or smell smoke.

• Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.

• Blackening of china clay radiants of gas fires. What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

You may experience: • Headaches • Tiredness • Breathlessness • Dizziness • Collapse • Loss of concentration / difficulty thinking clearly Nausea You may notice that others in the same property have similar symptoms and that the symptoms are less severe if you are away from your property; for example, at work or on holiday.