One memory that always sticks out from my childhood was when a family in my neighbourhood died in their sleep as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. I can’t remember the details, I couldn’t even tell you which house it was, but I can tell you it sent shock waves throughout our quiet little cul de sac. I must have been nine or ten years old and can still remember laying flowers down outside a house that looked eerily like my own although sealed off with police tape.
But the devastation doesn’t end there - as recently as January 2013 the tragic tale of Hannah Jane Thomas was played out in our newspapers. This beautiful, smiley and happy teenager passed away in her sleep as a result of a disposable BBQ being left inside the family’s tent on what was meant to be a fun family getaway. This was a mistake that anyone of us could have made and listening to her parents describe their loss on countless news programmes never failed to make me sob.
We have a carbon monoxide monitor here. It lives on top of the coving at the top of our stairs and flashes at us discreetly every few seconds to let us know it’s functioning properly. We test it out every few months and therefore know that it would be impossible to ignore its piercing wail in the event of an emergency. As a soon-to-be mummy of two, it gives me so much peace of mind.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is easily preventable yet it needlessly kills and injures up to 4000 every year across the UK.. Although it is a colourless, odourless gas that the naked eye cannot see, even moderate elevations in the home are easily detectable by monitors. Unfortunately however latest figures reveal that only 1 in 10 households have one.
The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign is run by Energy UK on behalf of British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, ScottishPower and SSE, in partnership with the Dominic Rodgers Trust. They’re aiming to get an audible monitor in every home and reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by this silent killer.
Risks and Symptom
- Carbon monoxide can be fatal and can lead to a range of serious health problems including lasting brain and nervous system damage.
- The symptoms of mild poisoning are often similar to common illnesses such as flu or food-poisoning, meaning people often don’t realise they are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning until the symptoms get worse.
- The most common symptoms of mild poisoning are: nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches and abdominal pain. Some people may also vomit.
- The longer someone breathes in carbon monoxide, the worse the symptoms will get. They may lose their balance, vision and memory. There is also a high chance with high or prolonged exposure that they will fall unconscious or, at worst, die. This can happen within two hours if there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air.
Other warning signs that suggest carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Other people in your house, flat or workplace experiencing similar symptoms
- Symptoms disappearing when you leave your home and returning when you come back
If you’d like more information, you can visit the website at CO-bealarmed.co.uk or follow the campaign on Twitter and Facebook. In order to help spread awareness, they’ve kindly offered me 5 alarms to giveaway - Entry is via Rafflecopter so good luck everyone, and please remember to buy your own if you’re lucky enough to win.
- UK entrants only - you must be over 18 too (sorry)
Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com
