Crawley MP, Henry Smith, is backing the charity, Carbon Monoxide Awareness, by supporting their national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from barbecues.
The campaign is held in memory of 14 year old Wilmslow schoolgirl Hannah Thomas-Jones and others who lost their lives to carbon monoxide from barbecues or camping lamps.
Henry Smith MP commented:
“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and greater awareness of the dangers can help save many lives. I’m pleased to join with Lynn and Carbon Monoxide Awareness to support this campaign to ensure there is greater awareness in Crawley and across the country.”
“Already this year there have been a number of camping fatalities and serious injuries resulting from people taking barbecue equipment inside their tents and homes.
“I would like every local resident to be aware of the possible dangers of carbon monoxide in the home and when going away on holiday. We don’t want to see another death or injury from a barbecue during a music festival, Olympics or summer holidays.”
The campaign is a joint venture between Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. It is supported by the Chief Fire Officers Association and a number of major retailers including Asda, Tesco, Morrison’s, Homebase, B&Q and Dunelm Mill who have pledged to put up point-of-sale notices in their stores for barbecue equipment.
These products are designed solely for outdoor use and should not be used in enclosed spaces such as tents, caravans, campervans or homes. Modern tents are designed as an integral structure with built-in groundsheets and carbon monoxide gases can rise to fatal levels in a matter of minutes if portable or disposable barbecues are used inside for heating purposes.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. People often do not realise that they are being overcome by fumes until it is too late.
Exposure to the gas reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, thereby causing the vital organs to fail. Early symptoms are similar to flu or food poisoning, but these worsen as more of the gas is breathed in and CO concentrations in the blood increase. Anyone who suspects that they may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should turn off all appliances, go outside and seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.
For more information visit www.covictim.org