Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has joined the Carbon Monoxide Awareness charity to warn of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in the aftermath of flooding events.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you very unwell and it can kill, meaning it is often referred to as the ‘silent killer.’ Carbon monoxide kills more than 50 people in the UK each year, and a further 200 people are left seriously ill.
Mrs Evans said:
“Carbon monoxide poses a particular threat to people who are coping with the aftermath of flooding.
“Many people do not realise that generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly – and this can be deadly in enclosed spaces.
“Damage to homes caused by extreme weather can raise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning too – blocked flues, chimneys, and air bricks for example can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide.”
The charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness has given the following advice to those who are coping with the extreme weather and dealing with the devastating floods:
NEVER use a generator or petrol engine in enclosed spaces.
Homes left without heating due to floods can be at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty oil, wood, coal and gas burning appliances.
CHECK for damage around your home due to the floods and/or high winds. Flues, chimneys and/or air bricks may become blocked and lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
NEVER block vents to prevent draughts, or stay too close to poorly ventilated oil, wood, coal and gas fires.
NEVER warm up a car in a garage – even with the garage door open. In less than two minutes, fumes can build to lethal concentrations.
Please spare a little time, and visit the elderly or those who have no family. Please ask about their health and any extra symptoms they may have. A headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms include; dizziness and nausea, vomiting, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Mrs Evans said: “I have seen for myself the devastating impact of flooding and extreme weather across Mid and West Wales – especially on our coastlines.
“With more bad weather predicted, I want to ensure that everyone is aware of the risks posed by carbon monoxide.”
Mrs Evans has written to the Chief Executives of all local authorities in Mid and West Wales altering them to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning following flooding and extreme weather events.
