Phil Willis MP warns of deadly Carbon Monoxide risk
Phil Willis MP (LibDem, Harrogate & Knaresborough) has urged local residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning this winter. Research shows that over 1.5 million households in Yorkshire and the Humber are putting themselves at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning by not taking the necessary safety precautions.
Phil Willis is supporting a new national campaign, ‘Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed!' which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all their gas, oil and solid-fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is backed by victims' charities, professional organisations and energy companies, and by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location.
Phil Willis said,
"I would like to see a requirement for all new homes to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate."
"Audible alarms only cost £15 and can be fitted in seconds but they could save your life. I would urge every household to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional.
Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which can kill or cause lasting damage to your health. The early symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, loss of balance and forgetfulness. Research conducted for the campaign showed that only six per cent of people would describe themselves as "very confident" that they would recognise the symptoms, which can easily be confused with those of other illnesses, such as flu.
Nigel Dumbrell, Chairman of campaign organisers the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, said:
"Carbon Monoxide has no colour, odour or taste and is impossible to detect without an alarm. It's essential that the public know how to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is the first time that such a broad alliance of organisations has come together to campaign on the issue of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and we're delighted that Phil Willis has added his weight to the campaign."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information about the campaign contact the Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! press office on 020 7492 0999 or email press@CO-BeAlarmed.co.uk
Interviews and case studies
For case studies and photography, contact the press office.
Research
All figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4,333 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between the 24th September and the 3rd of October 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
What needs to be done?
As well as raising awareness of the dangers or Carbon Monoxide and the precautions people should take, this campaign is seeking support for four changes which will make a major difference:
•1) In order to receive a gas safety certificate, landlords should have to provide tenants with a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
•2) Every new home should be fitted with a wired-in Carbon Monoxide alarm.
•3) The Government should nominate a Minister to take the lead, across Whitehall, on issues relating to Carbon Monoxide.
•4) There should be more training and information to ensure that front-line healthcare professionals can recognise the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and record accurate data around incidents and deaths.
COCAA
The Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance was set up as a single co-ordinating body which aims to be the leading authority on Carbon Monoxide awareness. The Alliance consists of victims' charities, professional organisations for all domestic fuel types and energy companies. It also works closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Health & Safety Executive.
