Liverpool based charity CO-Awareness are advising locals to
take a portable carbon monoxide alarm on holiday.
19th July 2010
The charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness is urging holidaymakers to
pack an audible carbon monoxide alarm before heading off on their
summer break. It could save their lives.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness President Lynn Griffiths said: "There
have been a number of tragedies and numerous near-misses in this
country and abroad in recent years. No one should take it for
granted that their hotel room, holiday home, caravan or canal boat
is safe.
Take a CO alarm on holiday. It could save your life.
Lynn Griffiths
CO Awareness President
"Audible CO alarms don't cost much and could be the best
investment any holiday maker ever makes. They can be bought from
any hardware store or supermarket and they're small enough to fit
easily into a suitcase."
Carbon monoxide poisoning (from all fuel burning appliances:
Gas, Oil, Coal and Wood) causes in the region of 50 deaths in
England and Wales every year and there are numerous near misses,
many of which go unreported.
"Carbon monoxide produced by faulty, poorly maintained or poorly
ventilated fossil fuel appliances can quickly build up to levels
that can kill in confined spaces such as hotel rooms, caravans,
boats and holiday homes," Lynn Griffiths said.
"Even at lower levels, carbon monoxide causes symptoms that are
similar to flu or food poisoning, including headaches, tiredness,
nausea and difficulty in thinking clearly.
"Without an audible CO alarm it is unlikely that holiday-makers
will even know that they are being poisoned by this deadly gas.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and has no taste or smell so there
are few warning signs when it's around."
For more information about CO-Awareness visit
their website.
