Latest News - 14 September 2006

PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed for release, 0001 hrs 14 September 2006

Shouting about a silent killer:
MPs launch hard-hitting report on carbon monoxide poisoning

A cross-party group of MPs have called for Government, the energy industry and consumer groups to work together to fund a national awareness campaign, to reduce deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning. In a report, 'Shouting about a silent killer: Raising carbon monoxide awareness', launched today (14 September), members of the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group also call for every home to be fitted with an audible carbon monoxide detector.

Their report contains recommendations for all the groups involved in energy supply and regulation to commit to further measures which would safeguard people in their homes. It follows the All Party Group’s inquiry into the issue which took evidence from Government, industry and victims of CO poisoning. They found that there were significant problems in the way that incidents of ill-health and deaths from carbon monoxide are recorded. They also felt there was a need to take urgent action against illegal installers.

Co-Chair of the group, Barry Sheerman MP, said:
"We have uncovered a scandalous lack of engagement from energy retailers on tackling the issue of CO awareness. We want them to put their hands in their pockets and fund a national media campaign to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of this silent killer. People are suffering and dying as a result of CO poisoning, yet this is entirely preventable. One death is one death too many."

Co-Chair of the group, Maria Miller MP said:
"Everyone knows that a smoke detector could save your life if there’s a fire in your home. The same is true of a carbon monoxide detector – every home should have one. And as people switch on their central heating again this autumn, we urge them to make sure it’s properly safety checked."

ENDS

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Go to the 'Publications' section to download the report.

You can also obtain a copy of this report by calling the All Party Group Secretariat on:
020 7340 6203.

Notes to editors:

  • Barry Sheerman and Maria Miller are available for comment and interview. For media enquiries, please contact the All Party Group secretariat on: 020 7340 6203.
  • There are 30 deaths in the UK each year from CO poisoning. All are preventable. In addition, many people suffer the effects of CO poisoning. These figures are not systematically collated, so it is difficult to assess the extent of the problem.
  • The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group authored this report with support from public affairs consultancy, AS Biss & Co. The APPGSG receives secretarial support from AS Biss & Co and CORGI.