Beware of ‘silent killer’

NHS statistics suggest that 50 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK every year, and 200 are left seriously ill.

A headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms include dizziness and nausea, vomiting, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain and having difficulty breathing.

The symptoms can be similar to those of food poisoning and flu. However, unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature.

Thomas Warner, area community safety officer with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, said: “The best thing people can do is to make sure that their gas boiler and other appliances are properly serviced each year, by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

“CO alarms can also be bought for as little as £25, and will alert you of any CO leaks before you start to feel the effects.”