With caravanning holidays on the increase and the summer holidays upon us the Health Protection Agency in Yorkshire and the Humber are ensuring families in the Dearne Valley have a safe caravanning holiday by reminding them of the potential health risks associated with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
CO is produced when fossil fuels burn without enough air (i. in poorly ventilated areas) and poorly maintained caravan appliances such as liquefied petroleum gas or kerosene-powered fridges, heaters or cookers can put caravan users at risk from the p
otentially deadly gas.
Carbon monoxide is known as the 'silent killer' as it is a colourless and odourless gas and exposure to high levels causes more than 50 accidental deaths a year in England and Wales. The Yorkshire and Humber region has one of the highest numbers of carbon monoxide incidences in England and Wales, with only London and the Midlands regions experiencing greater incidences.
Even at lower levels, CO can harm health and may produce symptoms similar to flu or food poisoning - such as headaches, tiredness and difficulty thinking clearly, or feeling sick.
Dr Mike Gent, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, said: "In small spaces such as caravans, levels of carbon monoxide produced by faulty, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated fossil fuel appliances can build up very quickly to levels which can kill."
Dr Gent added: "Anyone who suspects that they are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately turn off all appliances, go outside and seek medical help from a healthcare professional or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Appliances should not be used again until they have been serviced by a registered engineer.
"Whilst an audible carbon monoxide alarm will alert people to high levels of the gas, it will not alert people to low levels and so alarms should not replace regular inspections by a registered engineer."
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