Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

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The Health Protection Agency is advising people to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances - such as boilers, heaters and cookers - checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the winter sets in.

At high levels Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and death. Other symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, chest pains nausea and vomiting.

Professor Robert Maynard of the Health Protection Agency said: "Figures show that in England and Wales around 50 people die from accidental exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide each year. Many of those deaths occur between November and February due to faulty fossil fuel and wood burning appliances or blocked flues. These deaths are preventable.

“To lower the risk, people should ensure that their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances are regularly checked by an appropriately registered engineer and that flues are checked for blockages. To minimise the risks, I recommend that people have these appliances and their flues checked before the start of winter.”

The HPA also recommends that people should fit a British Standards Kitemarked audible CO alarm in their homes. The installation of an alarm, which can be bought from most DIY retailers, should not, however, replace regular inspections by a registered engineer.