This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7043718.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Campaign warns on 'silent killer' | Campaign warns on 'silent killer' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Almost 50 people are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK every year, safety campaigners have warned. | Almost 50 people are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK every year, safety campaigners have warned. |
The Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, which is launching a drive to highlight dangers, says 42 people died and 177 fell ill in the last 12 months. | The Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, which is launching a drive to highlight dangers, says 42 people died and 177 fell ill in the last 12 months. |
It is trying to raise awareness among consumers and doctors as the "silent killer", which cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, can be difficult to diagnose. | It is trying to raise awareness among consumers and doctors as the "silent killer", which cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, can be difficult to diagnose. |
The toxic fumes can leak from faulty appliances burning fossil fuels. | The toxic fumes can leak from faulty appliances burning fossil fuels. |
Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas, oil, coal or wood is used for heating or to run appliances including boilers and cookers. | Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas, oil, coal or wood is used for heating or to run appliances including boilers and cookers. |
Householders are being urged to fit detection alarms and get qualified engineers to make annual checks on appliances. | Householders are being urged to fit detection alarms and get qualified engineers to make annual checks on appliances. |
Symptoms of poisoning can include sickness and headaches. | Symptoms of poisoning can include sickness and headaches. |
Regular checks | Regular checks |
Lynn Griffiths, president of the CO-Awareness Campaign which supports victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, said people must become "assertive" in combating potential problems. | Lynn Griffiths, president of the CO-Awareness Campaign which supports victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, said people must become "assertive" in combating potential problems. |
She said they should look out for symptoms of carbon monoxide, which can resemble general flu-like conditions, food poisoning or a virus. | She said they should look out for symptoms of carbon monoxide, which can resemble general flu-like conditions, food poisoning or a virus. |
Ms Griffiths said: "If people in the house are becoming ill, and more of the family are becoming ill, and they're just not getting better, they should go to their GP or A&E department and say 'Could it be carbon monoxide poisoning?'" | Ms Griffiths said: "If people in the house are becoming ill, and more of the family are becoming ill, and they're just not getting better, they should go to their GP or A&E department and say 'Could it be carbon monoxide poisoning?'" |
The BBC's Angus Crawford said the nature of the effects of carbon monoxide can lead to misdiagnosis. | |
Some victims have been told they have flu, and sent home for bed rest, only for the poisoning to continue, our correspondent added. | Some victims have been told they have flu, and sent home for bed rest, only for the poisoning to continue, our correspondent added. |