Beware of the silent killer (From Western Telegraph)

Beware of the silent killer

CARBON monoxide is known as the silent killer and it has, over the years, claimed a number of lives in Pembrokeshire.

In 1999, 73-year-old Dorothy Devonald and her pet dog and budgerigar died at 48 Prioryville, Milford Haven. A faulty solid fuel heater at the council house was blamed for their deaths.

And in 2001, verdicts of death by misadventure were recorded on Karl Hone Bissett, aged 31 and 22-year-old Rosalyn Harris of Whitehill, Cresselly, after they were killed by carbon monoxide fumes in the shower of their home in Cresselly.

A couple had a near miss when they escaped carbon monoxide poisoning at their holiday home in Lawrenny. They suffered abdominal pains, vomiting and headaches and fortunately recognised the symptoms and called 999.

And the Western Telegraph has recorded other instances of suspected carbon monoxide fumes in homes in Newport and Haverfordwest.

All forms of heating and water boilers - gas coal, wood, solid fuel, paraffin and oil - can be dangerous.

Main causes of fatal accidents are blocked or leaky flues, poor ventilation, poor installation and maintenance, faulty appliances, or misuse.

Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which makes it difficult to detect and its effects can be deadly. Symptoms can include drowsiness, headaches, chest pains, giddiness, sickness, diarrhoea and stomach pains.

And warning signs include soot stains on or above appliances, coal or wood fires burning slowly or going out and everyone at home feeling ill at the same time.

Barbecues should never be used indoors. Heating appliances should be checked once a year and carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased.