As of October 2015 Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO2 Alarms) will have to be fitted as standard practice to all UK homes due to new legislation.
The figures are scary!
- Over 80 people are killed per year in the UK due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
- Over 500 people are admitted to hospital every year due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
- Many, many more could be being poisoned.
What causes carbon monoxide to leak?
Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances – such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers – are the most common sources of carbon monoxide.
Blocked flues and chimneys can also prevent carbon monoxide escaping, allowing it to reach dangerous levels.
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur at any time, in any home or enclosed space.
Who does Carbon Monoxide effect?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone, but in particular pregnant woman, people with heart and respiratory conditions and children.
The symptoms of mild Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
- dizziness
- nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
- tiredness and confusion
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- stomach pain
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those of food poisoning and the flu. However, unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever).
We are no health advisers or doctors, but our sources of information are based on NHS and Government figures. We don’t want to scare you into buying a Co2 alarm, we want to raise awareness of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Being aware of the signs
It’s very important to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to look out for warning signs.
You should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning if:
- other people in your house, flat or workplace fall ill with similar symptoms
- your symptoms disappear when you go away (for example, on holiday) and return when you come back
- your symptoms tend to be seasonal – for example, you get headaches more often during the winter when the central heating is used more frequently
- your pets also become ill
For the sake of £40-£60 one off payment for an alarm and installation including demonstrations on how to use the alarm? and what to do if the alarm is triggered? The price is nothing if it helps saves a life.