20 January 2009
Low-grade carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning poses a real risk and households need to be able to spot the early warning signs, according to a leading doctor.
Writing in the Times, Dr Mark Porter said that while the dangers of acute poisoning as a result of faulty boilers are often highlighted, cases of low-dose exposure can sometimes slip under the radar.
He pointed out that Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, has been urging doctors to consider CO poisoning when patients come to them with flu-like symptoms, unexplained tiredness or sickness and vomiting.
These are all early signs of CO poisoning, but they can be mistaken, particularly at this time of year, for everyday bugs and illnesses.
Dr Porter urged homeowners to have their boilers and central heating systems serviced and checked regularly to prevent problems before they occur.
Heating cover customers may find that their policy includes free boiler servicing, meaning they will not have to pay extra for essential checks and maintenance at a time when money is tight.
Research carried out last year by uSwitch.com revealed that six in ten UK households have no heating cover in place.