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| Figures show how many people are actually admitted to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning |
EVERY day four people have to attend A&E departments across the UK with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, with a huge 87 per cent of these requiring treatment.
More than one in five of people admitted to A&E with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning require hospitalisation, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) figures.
These stats, carried out by CORGI HomePlan, reveal the true extent of this silent killer for the first time.
The research reveal that the number of casualties are 30 times HIGHER than the official industry figures, provided in Gas Safety Trust’s latest Carbon Monoxide Incident Report, suggest.
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| Experts recommend installing CO alarms |
The stats received from NHS Trusts do not include incidents where fatalities occurred before any treatment could be delivered.
In 2014, an estimated 50 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK, with the vast majority passing away before their bodies were even found.
Recent high profile cases have raised awareness of carbon monoxide and encouraged the public to think about safety and prevention.
Just last month, Michael Travers died at a holiday chalet in the Scottish borders from a carbon monoxide leak, while his wife and son were overcome by fumes and left critically injured.
One in 11 boilers in UK is unsafe, figures from the Gas Safe Register show. While only HALF of UK homes have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. Laws were put in place in October this year to ensure landlords install CO alarms, partly in a bid to safeguard the lives of those living in rented student housing. In 2014, 174 18-25 year-olds were treated in hospital. Last year, 360 children and 192 older people received treatment - leading experts to warn that it’s often the most vulnerable exposed to this deadly gas.
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| One in 11 boilers in the UK are unsafe |
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| A GP explained headaches and dizziness are signs of possible posioning |
Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to brain damage and death.
GP Dr Helen Webberley has treated many patients with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and warns of the damage that long-term exposure to the gas can lead to.
She said: “People should not think there is a safe level of poisoning, as exposure to the gas over time, even at a low level, can lead to brain damage.
“Everyone must be vigilant to symptoms which include dizziness, headaches, breathlessness and loss of consciousness."
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