Mayo homeowners at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
A worrying 53% of households in Connaught don’t have a carbon monoxide alarm it was revealed as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (September 22 to 28) got underway yesterday.
Research results launched by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, show low levels of consumer awareness of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide and the preventative measures that can be taken. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause illness and even death - on average, six people in Ireland die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, according to figures from the HSE.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is a public safety initiative organised by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and supported by public bodies and organisations involved in the energy sector and beyond.
Survey results show that some 53% of Connaught households don’t have an audible carbon monoxide alarm in their home. Further, there is also low level of awareness on where alarms should be installed within the home. Over two thirds (67%) of households admitted they could do more to protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning, but the majority weren’t sure how best to go about it.
Nationally, there is poor public knowledge of the fact that all fossil fuels can produce carbon monoxide when burned. Although there is a relatively high level of awareness of the importance of regular maintenance and servicing of fuel burning appliances, one in three Connaught households admitted it had been two years or more since they have last had their boiler serviced, while one in every ten admitted to not knowing when their boiler was serviced last.
Said Sheenagh Rooney, director of energy safety and operations, CER: “Carbon monoxide poses a very real threat to people’s lives. To ensure the safety of family members and loved ones it is extremely important that all appliances are regularly serviced and that vents, flues and chimneys are kept clear. This research shows that everyone needs to be more aware that every fossil fuel when burned has the potential to produce carbon monoxide.”