What are the dangers of carbon monoxide?

Every year 30-40 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly fitted or maintained. When gas does not burn properly, poisonous carbon monoxide is produced.

You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't even smell it. Carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a matter of hours. You are most at risk when you are asleep.

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, drowsiness, headache and pains in the chest and stomach. You are at risk of this if:

• your gas appliances were poorly installed.
• your gas appliances are not working properly.
• your gas appliances have not been checked for safety or maintained regularly.
• there is not enough fresh air in the room (do not block air bricks or other vents).
• your chimney or flue is blocked.
• you allow unqualified people to install or maintain your gas appliances.

Further Information

You can obtain further information by contacting our Repairs and Maintenance Unit:

	Write to: Blyth Valley Housing, Cowley Road, Blyth Riverside Business Park, Blyth, NE24 5TF.
	Telephone: (01670) 542479 or (01670) 542424                 Text us: 07950 08 09 08   Fax us: (01670) 542420
	RNID Typetalk service prefix number 18001
	Email: repairs@blythvalley.gov.uk