According to the Carbon Monoxide Hotspot Report 2011, published by the Gas Safety Trust, there were 50 recorded incidents involving Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning between July 1, 2010 and June 30, this year.
Of the 105 people involved in these, there were 25 fatalities and 80 injuries – more than three times as many fatalities reported the previous year.
How long is it since you had your domestic gas appliances checked for efficiency and safety? Perhaps you are a landlord and such checks haven’t yet become a priority? Your plumber in Hull, AA Gas Services, can quickly and efficiently put your mind at rest by testing your appliances and providing you with a guarantee of safe operation.
The report, by the way, also suggests that medical professionals are similarly unresponsive or unaware of the serious threat posed by carbon monoxide, by failing to diagnose symptoms correctly. Data for 2011 shows that when people exhibiting symptoms associated with CO poisoning sought medical help, only 1% were tested for it.
The Gas Safety Trust is therefore calling for UK householders to be more aware of the dangers of CO, known as the ‘silent killer’ because you cannot smell, taste, hear or see its presence, particularly as the time for turning on central heating approaches.
October through to March is the high-risk period, during which 72% of CO-related incidents occur. The number of incidents peaked in December 2010 when the UK experienced widespread snow and the coldest December for 100 years. And despite the dramatic rise, the Gas Safety Trust warns that the real figures could actually be much higher. Don’t be caught out – give AA Gas Services a call today and set your mind at rest!
The report highlights that members of public are still at risk from CO poisoning, particularly those living in rented accommodation, which is obviously a huge concern. Please don’t become a statistic, let AA Gas Services give you peace of mind, regardless of what this winter throws our way.
