The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has called for clarity from the Welsh Government about what steps it is taking to further educate on the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The intervention follows Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which is the annual campaign led by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group that aims to raise awareness of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which is produced when a fuel burns inefficiently. According to the United Against CO campaign, the most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires, cookers, and solid fuel stoves. Over 200 people are hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK each year, which leads to around 50 deaths.
In a Written Question to the Welsh Government’s Minister for Education, Janet asked:
“Will the Minister confirm what steps the Welsh Government has taken to review how schools can further educate families on the sign and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Having campaigned for many years to strengthen safety, Janet said:
“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for flu-like illnesses, such as a tension-type headache, dizziness, nausea, and stomach pain. If we are to confront this silent killer, which lacks a taste and smell, we should ensure that knowledge of these signs and symptoms are greater understood by all generations of Welsh families.
“Of course, this education needs to be taken in conjunction with proactive steps to detect carbon monoxide. Importantly, carbon monoxide alarms have evolved to become safety critical devices, monitoring to protect people from this poisonous gas.
“All properties with fuel-burning appliances should have a CO alarm, so I encourage residents to consult the excellent North Wales Fire advice pages should they have any questions before purchasing and installing.”
One of the most common symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning is a tension-type headache as well as dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and stomach pain. Other signs include breathlessness, leading to collapse or loss of consciousness.
When installing a carbon monoxide alarm, residents should avoid placement in an enclosed space or where it can be obstructed. Likewise, an alarm should not be placed directly above a sink or next to a door, window, extractor fan, air vent or similar ventilation opening.
ENDS
Photo: by KWON JUNHO on Unsplash