650,000 are at risk of CO poisoning

AS many as 650,000 people are at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to blocking vents to keep their homes warm, a new survey has revealed.

The research carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes published yesterday to mark the start of Ireland’s sixth annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, found that one in six adults admitted to blocking a vent to keep heat in their homes.

Carbon monoxide, also known as the ‘silent killer’, is a poisonous, colourless and odourless gas that can kill in as little as three minutes. It is produced when carbonbased fuels do not have enough oxygen to burn completely. Restricting ventilation in homes with fuel burners could increase the risk of CO poisoning or death.

Dermott Jewell, a spokesperson for the Consumers’ Association of Ireland said: ‘There is a serious lack of understanding of the severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and it’s putting lives at risk.’

While the number of households with CO alarms is on the rise – with 59% of homes now owning an alarm compared with 53% in 2016 – as many as 1.4million people are at risk of CO poisoning in Ireland as they are living in fuel-burning homes without a CO alarm.

Mr Jewell believes that children should be taught about the dangers of CO poisoning in schools.

He said: ‘I can’t help but feel that the young at school need to come home with the knowledge.

‘They can ask the question, “do we have a carbon monoxide alarm” and, “do we need one”, starting a conversation around the table at home.’

As well as installing a CO alarm, it is important to have fuel burning appliances serviced regularly to prevent CO poisoning.

Research found that one in three people have not had their boiler serviced within the past year.

And 29% of adults who burn solid fuel in their homes have not had their chimney swept in the past year.

Sarah Owens, a single mother from Bridgend, South Wales, lost two of her five-month-old triplets last Saturday to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a suspected faulty heater.

Speaking at the launch of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2017, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten said: ‘Carbon monoxide poisoning is causing death and tragedy across Ireland and one simple measure to prevent against it is to install an alarm in your house and business.’