LONDON, October 14 /PRNewswire/ --
- CO Misconceptions Ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
To coincide with CO Awareness Week(1), new research(2) released today, from gas safety watchdog CORGI and Kidde Safety, shows how little we really know when it comes to protecting ourselves from the potential fatal gas, carbon monoxide.
Research shows that over a third (34%) of Brits think they know everything they need to about carbon monoxide however, when tested, less than one in twenty could correctly identify the symptoms associated with it. The figures also showed an alarming lack of awareness around carbon monoxide production. While gas appliances such as boilers, fires and cookers were identified as sources by the majority of respondents, only a quarter were aware that fuels such as wood and oil could also emit lethal fumes.
"Carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with run down properties and low income families but money doesn't necessarily mean safety," said Andy Burnett, Kidde Safety. "A big house with a kitchen aga or wood burning stove could be just as much of a death trap."
High profile incidents and education campaigns by organisations such as Kidde, CORGI and various victim support charities have had an impact however. 85% of people are now aware faulty boilers can be fatal compared to less than 50%(3) three years ago. Despite this the number of people having their appliances serviced regularly hasn't increased. Only 36% of respondents had appliances regularly serviced - exactly the same number as three years ago.
"What is especially worrying about this research is that it identifies a significant proportion of the population who are living under a false sense of security. This mis-placed confidence means symptoms of carbon monoxide may go undetected until it is too late" said Dan Caesar, Head of Safety Promotions at CORGI.
"Every year around 50 people die and many hundreds more are seriously affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is avoidable if you take the time to familiarise yourself with the symptoms and the signs of carbon monoxide production around your appliance. You also need to take preventive measures such as installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm and getting your appliances checked annually by a CORGI-registered installer."
Further information, together with safety tips, on carbon monoxide can be found at http://www.knowaboutco.co.uk
About Kidde:
Kidde is a leading global supplier of fire and safety products, systems and services under a range of well-known and trusted brand names to the retail, industrial, commercial, aerospace and combustion control sectors. It has over 90 years of experience in fire protection. Kidde offers British approved home safety products including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
About CORGI:
CORGI is the only body charged by the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to maintain a register of competent gas installers in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. As well as running the gas registration scheme, CORGI also has a responsibility to promote the awareness of gas safety and carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK. CORGI runs campaigns regularly to help in this promotion and has also introduced several initiatives to further promote best practice.
About COCAA:
COCAA stands for the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, and it is a group made up of organisations that all have an interest in ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and how to keep themselves safe. For further information please visit http://www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com
Notes to Editors:
(1)Carbon monoxide awareness week starts 15th October 2007
(2)Research conducted by Kadence for CORGI - sample of 453 consumers and 102 students from the UK people, 31 July - 13 August 2007.
(3)Research conducted by The 'Home Safety Report' in 2004 to a sample of 500 UK adults (18-70)
For further information, please contact: Amit Chakravarty on +44-(0)20-7067-0495 / achakravarty@golinharris.com
