Half of UK at risk of ‘silent killer’ warns calor

Even after the recent incidents relating to carbon monoxide poisoning in the news, nearly half of the homes in the UK still haven’t taken any measures to protect themselves or their families from the ‘silent killer’, according to new research from Calor.

The YouGov* survey, commissioned by the leading energy supplier also reports that one in four of these households admit that they hadn’t even thought about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Worryingly, 7% are confident that it won’t happen to them or their families.

A further 12% admitted that they simply don’t know what measures they should be taking, with 15% confessing that they hadn’t got around to doing anything yet.  But, with winter well underway and more of us turning on gas appliances that have been left unused throughout the summer months, Calor warns that it is crucial that people know the facts and act now to protect themselves against this very dangerous threat.

Andrew Ford, corporate affairs manager at Calor, says:  “Carbon monoxide poisoning kills over 30 people in the UK each year with thousands more experiencing symptoms of intoxication, yet it is clear that lack of awareness is still very much a problem in the UK.

“The number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning is much higher during the winter months and it is vital that people start checking their heating systems and portable gas heaters before they start using them as the cold weather kicks in.

“Over two thirds of the people we questioned admitted that they hadn’t had their boilers or gas appliances serviced, despite recommendations that servicings by a CORGI-registered engineer should be carried out every year.  Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that you cannot smell, taste or see and symptoms such as dizziness and headaches are often misdiagnosed as flu, so appliance servicing is the only way to flag up faulty equipment that could cause dangerously high levels of the toxic gas.

“We offer our customers a free nine-point heater health check to give them reassurance that their portable heater is working efficiently and to highlight any visible defects.  We are calling on all homeowners to make sure they’re armed with the facts this winter, as just a few simple measures will mean peace of mind for themselves and their families.”

To arrange your FREE Portable Heater Health Check call free on 0800 662 663 or visit www.lpg-portable-heaters.co.uk/portable_heater_safety.  The inspection is carried out by a Calor trained specialist but it is only a visual check and, as with all gas appliances, portable heaters should be serviced regularly by a fully qualified and competent CORGI registered engineer.

- ENDS -

* YouGov survey of 1,950 people which provides a representative sample of the UK population.  The survey was carried out between 21st – 24th November 2006.  Full survey results are available on request.

Notes to Editors:

The facts:

1. CO is an invisible gas which you cannot smell, taste or see.  It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas (mains or LPG), coal, oil, coke and wood. 
2. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters and solid fuel powered water heaters are all potential sources of CO.
3. CO can be produced if an appliance is poorly installed, if it’s not working properly or if the owner does not have it checked for safety and serviced regularly. 
4. CO is also caused if the living space has inadequate ventilation, for instance if air vents are blocked or if the chimney or flue is obstructed.

Signs:

1. The appearance of yellow or brown staining around or on the appliance.
2. Increased condensation inside windows.
3. Pilot lights that go out frequently. 
4. A burner that produces yellow rather than blue flames (apart from on a flueless fire).

Symptoms:

1. CO enters the lungs by the normal breathing process and poisons by displacing oxygen from the bloodstream. Lack of the normal supply of oxygen affects the heart, brain and other vital bodily functions.
2. CO poisoning is often misdiagnosed as its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions such as flu; they can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, fits, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, chest pain, wheeziness, palpitations and hyperventilation. 
3. Some people are more susceptible to CO poisoning and likely to show symptoms more quickly than others in the household e.g. the elderly, babies, children, pregnant women, people with heart conditions and pets.

Safety advice:

• If you come across an appliance that you think may be producing CO, switch it off immediately, open all windows and doors, and leave the room to ventilate before getting it checked by a CORGI registered installer.
• If a person is displaying any of the symptoms associated with CO poisoning you must encourage them to seek medical attention immediately.
• Only ever use appliances that meet British or European safety standards and avoid buying second hand appliances.  Always follow the manufacturers’ operating instructions.
• Always use a CORGI registered installer to install new appliances. Fixed appliances should then be serviced once a year, and only by a CORGI installer.
• As a result of improved insulation and double glazing in modern homes, houses are often less well ventilated. Ensure living spaces are kept adequately ventilated and never obstruct air vents, even temporarily.
• NEVER use appliances designed for outdoor activities, such as patio heaters and barbecues, indoors.  Flueless mobile heaters which were produced to British Standards BS 5258 parts 10, 11 and now to BS EN449 are fitted with a special safety device that cuts off the gas supply if the room gets too stuffy but outdoor appliances DON’T.
• There are CO detectors available, make sure they comply with British Standard BS 7860 or European Standard EN 50291.  However, they are only a warning device and must not be relied upon as a substitute for regular servicing.

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Ref: CALC0064AV
Released: 30 November 2006