New summer 'silent killer' alert with 'headaches and nausea' symptoms

New summer 'silent killer' alert with 'headaches and nausea' symptoms The symptoms can be like a cold, flu or a hangover People across the UK are being alerted to a "silent killer", the symptoms of which are similar to a hangover, according to an expert. A carbon monoxide (CO) safeguarding specialist has warned Brits to protect themselves from the dangers of CO, after it was revealed that almost 27,000 CO incidents occurred during last summer. Suzanne Callington, who is a safeguarding specialist at the UK’s largest gas distribution network, Cadent, is highlighting the dangers ahead of more expected hot weather - a season not always associated with the so-called silent killer. Of the 27,000 incidents CO incidents last year, a number were caused by BBQs, pizza ovens and camping equipment, which can all emit CO if not stored correctly. Incorrect storage can include bringing used BBQs indoors after use, as well as bringing camping equipment, like a portable gas stove, into a zipped tent. Holiday let warning It’s not just in the home where CO can be a danger this summer. Holiday lets do not always require a CO alarm to be installed – both in the UK and abroad – so it’s always important to check before arriving at what is and isn’t included. If in doubt, it’s recommended that you take a CO detector with you in your luggage. Suzanne said: “Every day, our engineers are called out to respond to a CO incident and while the majority of the time we have arrived in time, on some occasions it is sadly too late. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it cannot be seen, heard, smelt, touched or tasted. Without having a CO detector, like an alarm, it can be almost impossible to detect, unless you are aware of the symptoms.” The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning Suzanne said these could be associated with those of a cold, flu or a hangover. These include: headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapsing and loss of consciousness. It is important that every property has a CO alarm and that it is placed in every room where there is a fuel-burning appliance, such as a fireplace or boiler, she added. If using a BBQ, do not bring it indoors, even it is cold to the touch. Suzanne added: “CO poisoning can happen to anyone. We have a number of programmes around the country which support customers living in vulnerable situations to gain access to CO detectors. "If you think you’re suffering from CO poisoning, leave the property immediately and go outside then seek urgent medical attention. You should call the National Gas Emergency number for free on 0800 111 999.” The data was collected by the Carbon Monoxide Research & Analytics (CORA) platform, which collects data from the gas distribution networks and Fire and Rescue Services.