Beware the silent killer

Confused.com is urging everyone to do a safety check on all their gas appliances, chimneys and flues, to protect themselves from the silent killer - Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

According to the Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society, between September 1995 and August 2009 there have been over 550 deaths due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning - that's 40 deaths per year that could have been avoided.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Utilities at Confused.com says "As the cold weather kicks in, it's good practice to make sure that you have an up to date gas safety certificate. This is a legal requirement in rental properties but should be considered essential for all households. I'd encourage everyone to get gas appliances checked before switching them on and to check that chimneys, flues and vents have not become blocked over the summer.

"Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are not easy to distinguish from those experienced in common illnesses like food poisoning or the flu. Low levels of exposure to the gas can bring on mild nausea and headaches but may also impact your health in the longer term. More prolonged contact can result in severe headaches and a feeling of confusion, with spells of dizziness and fainting also associated symptoms. Ultimately if exposure continues, it can be fatal.

"You can't smell it, you can't taste it and you can't see it. But this silent killer can be prevented by taking some simple steps".

Confused.com top tips for winter safety

Have your gas appliances checked by a qualified technician at least once a year; if you have any doubts over an appliances condition don't use it.

Make sure that vents have not become clogged during the summer - blockages can come in many shapes and forms so check all your chimneys and flues are clear from things like overgrown vegetation, birds and wasps nests, so emissions can escape.

Get a Carbon Monoxide detector for each high risk area in your home. They are available from most DIY shops. Think of them like your smoke alarm and regularly check and maintain them.

If you suspect you or someone else is showing the effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, immediately seek professional medical advice. Vacate the premises without delay - ventilate if possible. Only return when you've been advised that it's safe to do so.