HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

As the awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases amongst Health Professionals, the Chief Medical Officer recently issued a letter, to encourage both identifying the symptoms and raising awareness of the risks surrounding carbon monoxide.
 
Accidental exposure to carbon monoxide kills more than 50 people each year in England and Wales.

It's a poisonous gas that you can’t see, taste or smell and is released when a carbon-containing fuel – such as gas, oil, coal, coke, petrol or wood – doesn’t burn fully because there is not enough air available.

Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated room or water heaters, fires or cookers, are the main sources.

It is estimated that 8% of the UK population (4.8 million people) may be suffering from dangerous levels of CO in their homes.

A number of resources for Health Professionals have been created to simplify the process of identifying CO:
(All these pdf links open in a new window)

- Diagnosis algorith from Department of Health - Diagnosing CO algorithm

- Letter from Chief Medical Officer highlighting the diagnosis of CO - Recognising CO poisoning

- Consumer leaflet to educate on the dangers of CO - CO - Are you at risk