Recent research has revealed that one in every three homes does not have a carbon monoxide detector, potentially putting the inhabitants at risk.
Wales & West Utilities and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) commissioned the study of more than 2,000 people. Wales & West Utilities’ head of operations, Clive Book, said about the findings:
“CO is a silent killer but with the right, simple steps, the risks to you and your family can be dramatically reduced. We urge everyone to stay safe by getting an audible carbon monoxide alarm and ensuring that all gas appliances are serviced annually, including gas boilers, cookers and water heaters.”
Carbon monoxide is poisonous, but it is also odourless and colourless, so there is no way to know it’s there without a detector. Faulty boilers can sometimes produce the gas, so it’s advisable for all households to ensure they have a detector of some sort.
Around 2,000 people are admitted to accident and emergency departments every year with carbon monoxide poisoning, with some of these being severely ill or even dying as a result. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, confusion and tiredness, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulty.
While it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector, it’s vital to ensure the safety of your gas appliances by having them serviced regularly. When Xgas performs a boiler service in Chester and other locations, it can also potentially pick up on some problems before they occur, thus avoiding a costly and inconvenient breakdown. Get in touch today to learn about care plans that include an annual service.
