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Information for press and media
For further information please contact
Stephanie Trotter, OBE, (Mrs.)
President & Director CO-Gas Safety
Email: office@co-gassafety.co.uk
Tel: 01372 466135/466 112
Mob: 07803 088 688
Interview may be arranged with families affected by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
or other fuel toxins.
For statistics of deaths and injuries see heading on website. We may be able
to find deaths and injuries in your area.
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
CO is a deadly gas which cannot be sensed using human senses.
WHERE DOES CO COME FROM?
CO can be emitted from faulty cooking or heating appliances powered by any carbon based fuel (gas, coal, oil, wood, paper etc.) that burns when there is insufficient air at the flame to produce carbon dioxide. Please note that carbon dioxide is two molecules of oxygen to one of carbon. Contrast CO which one molecule of oxygen to one of carbon.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CO?
Less than 2% can kill in between one and three minutes.
Lower levels can cause symptoms similar to a virus. See 'About CO' on left hand side of this page.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
In CO-Gas Safety's opinion, there should be greater awareness of the dangers of CO and how to prevent unintentional deaths and injuries. (see 'Prevention' on left hand side of this page).
Why are there no prime time TV warnings about CO?
Why does the gas emergency service fail to carry and use equipment to test gas appliances for CO?
We ask the press to put these questions to the Government and the wealthy fuel industry.
Please note that in 2000, the Health & Safety Commission (now Executive) recommended:-
1. A levy on the gas suppliers to pay for raising awareness of the dangers of CO and for research and
2. That the gas emergency service carries and uses equipment to test gas appliances for CO.
Why has neither of these excellent recommendations been implemented by Government?
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