CO can kill in minutes and is produced in dangerous amounts when a carbon based fuel like wood, coal, oil or gas are burned without sufficient air supply. When you breathe in carbon monoxide it prevents the body form absorbing oxygen, causing oxygen starvation leading to severe damage and even death. Common sources of carbon monoxide are: vehicles running in confined spaces; blocked chimneys & flues; portable fuel burning heaters; fuel powered tools in enclosed spaces; barbecues used in enclosed spaces and defective gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” as it cannot be seen and has no taste or smell. But there are warning signs to look out for including: Coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out; sooty stains on or just above oil or gas burning appliances; a gas boiler flame that normally burns blue burning orange or yellow instead.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu symptoms without a fever, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness or confusion. If you are suffering these symptoms, put out your fire or turn off the appliance, ventilate your home and see your doctor at once.

To help prevent CO poisoning all heating appliances should be serviced annually by a qualified engineer. Also make sure that chimneys are swept regularly, especially before lighting a fire if it hasn’t been used for some time. Keep air vents clear and never block them up to prevent a draught.

Another way you can help to prevent being poisoned is to use a CO detector.

HAP Newtownabbey have 10 electronic CO detectors to give away to help warn you if carbon monoxide is present. All you need to do it to answer the following question:

What does CO stand for?

Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to: CO Competition, HAP Newtownabbey, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, December 11.

For further information contact Home Accident Prevention Newtownabbey on 9034 0000

or log on to www.co-awareness.co.uk