A ‘SILENT killer’ - said to be on the rise and placing vulnerable residents’ lives in danger - will see more being done in Barnsley to reduce incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning due to growing worries.
It claims the lives of about 110 people on average a year but can only be detected by an alarm as it cannot be seen.
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, has raised awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning to residents of Barnsley having embarked on a campaign to fit more free alarms across her constituency.
Stephanie said: “This summer I am encouraging people in Barnsley to be conscious of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Poisoning can be incredibly dangerous and lots of the symptoms are often missed or mistaken for general lethargy.
“Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain.
“It can be a result of faulty household appliances such as gas boilers, gas or clay cookers and wood or coal fires.
“It is really important to have a properly-installed carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
“If you are going on holiday this year, consider taking a portable alarm with you, to keep yourself and your family safe.”
Freedom of Information requests have shown rises of up to 40 per cent in recorded incidents of suspected poisoning at NHS trusts in South Yorkshire in the elderly.
With the help of Cadent and Energy UK, the MP managed to secure over 300 carbon monoxide alarms for households in her constituency - and hopes more can be rolled out across the town.
“This is a tragic silent killer - every death caused by it is fully preventable, but it isn’t an issue that hits the headlines much.
“Awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning is key to protecting people, so it’s important to know the symptoms.
“If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning you must seek medical help immediately.”
As of October 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require alarms to be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance.
Both private and social sector landlords will be required to provide the alarms, and they will have a duty to repair or replace faulty alarms upon being informed of any issues.
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson added: “Carbon monoxide is a silent, odour-free gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels - these can be extremely dangerous and generally happens when appliances are faulty, haven’t been fitted properly or aren’t regularly serviced.
“If you suspect you or someone you know has been poisoned, you should leave the property immediately and, if they are showing signs of poisoning or have collapsed, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
“Local authorities will have the power to fine landlords up to £5,000 for failure to comply.
“As a fire service we have seen a number of examples where people have tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and we absolutely welcome these regulations.
“The cost of a new carbon monoxide alarm for landlords is considerably less than the potential fine, but we hope that landlords opt to install detectors because it’s the right thing to do, not just because of the potential financial penalty.”
