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North residents most at risk from killer gas
PEOPLE in the North-East and Yorkshire are among the highest "at risk" to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, a report warns.
the worst region for carbon monoxide poisoning per head of population is Yorkshire - where 18 per cent of incidents - eight deaths and 18 injuries - occurred.
Wales is second in the 'at risk' table, followed by the North-East, with two deaths and 27 casualties in six incidents.
The 16-month survey by gas safety watchdog Corgi revealed that the 27 North-East casualties were involved in the same incident at a Gateshead school.
A new map will be published later today highlighting the worst incidents of exposure to the deadly gas and pinpointing regional hotspots.
Corgi revealed that from January 1, last year, to April 30, this year, there were 102 carbon monoxide incidents across the UK, resulting in 50 deaths and 218 injuries.
Forty incidents happened in the first four months of this year - a massive 48 per cent increase on the same period last year.
The disappointing findings will give added impetus to the Silent Killer campaign, launched by The Northern Echo 12 years ago.
It was prompted by the tragic death of Durham University undergraduate Anne Brennan, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in digs in the city.
Over the years we have reported warnings, advice and the repeated key safety message to ensure all heating appliances are properly maintained at all times by qualified engineers and urged the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.
Corgi hopes the at-risk map will reveal the extent of the nation's apathy and ignorance over the threat.
However, a spokeswoman for the watchdog conceded that the incident at Crookhill Primary School, in Ryton, where 25 pupils and two staff received treatment after a carbon monoxide leak last November, was responsible for the North-East's high ranking.
Ninety per cent of the UK has a smoke alarm, but almost 75 per cent of UK homes do not have a carbon monoxide detector.
The survey urges all homeowners to have all their gas appliances checked every year to make sure the silent killer gas is not leaking out of their appliances.
The majority of carbon monoxide incidents, says Corgi, are avoidable with the most common cause of death through carbon monoxide poisoning coming from faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances
Sent: 26/06/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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