Injury Lawyers Raise Awareness of Carbon Monoxide

Injury lawyers have teamed up with a broad coalition of people including MPs, councils and campaigning groups to highlight the danger of the "silent killer" carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide poisoning has caused a number of high-profile deaths in recent years but is still not being taken seriously enough by homeowners. In a study conducted by the government, between 1987 and 1996 there were 288 possible deaths attributable to carbon monoxide.

Injury lawyers take up the fight
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) have come out strongly in favour of increased awareness of the problem. Last year, along with Corgi, they helped lead Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. The awareness week happens each November.

Marcus Weatherby from Apil explained the purpose of the campaign: "Public awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is very low. It's an issue which needs to be raised, as lack of awareness means families around the country are suffering unnecessarily," he said.

The national gas safety watchdog Corgi have been heavily involved with promoting awareness and pointed out that the most vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and children, are most at risk.

"It is important to look out for the vulnerable as well as ourselves. If you have elderly friends or relatives, please ensure all their gas appliances have had an annual gas safety check, carried out by a CORGI registered installer. If an elderly relative is in rented accommodation, ask the landlord for an up to date Gas Safety Record," said a Corgi spokesman.

Carbon monoxide checks are vital to ensure safety because the gas itself is colourless and odourless. It is vital for homeowners. to ensure their appliances are regularly checked and that they have a CO detector fitted in their house.

Protecting the vulnerable
Denise Kitchener from Apil who is taking part in this years campaign highlighted the need for friends and neighbours of elderly people to help out and make sure that they are protected.

"Elderly people can be particularly vulnerable at this time of year and we should all do what we can to help. We continue to hear about cases in which the lives of people young and old have been lost, or their health has been completely devastated because of poisonous fumes leaking from faulty appliances," she said.

This view was echoed by Pensioners groups who are also involved in the awareness week. There was a note of caution though, the Blackpool Pensioners Pressure Group Chairwoman, Doreen Holt, explained that many pensioners who are living on the poverty line may not be able to afford to have their appliances checked and a sensor fitted.

"Some pensioners are below the poverty line and may face the dilemma of whether to eat or have a gas check. These carbon monoxide detectors seem good so maybe there should be a scheme like the one the fire service offer with their free smoke alarms." added Ms. Holt.

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