Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones is backed the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness by supporting their national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from barbecues.
The campaign, held in memory of 14 year old Wilmslow schoolgirl Hannah Thomas-Jones and others who lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning from barbecues or camping lamps, was launched at the House of Commons in July.
The campaign is a joint venture between Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. It is supported by the Chief Fire Officers Association and a number of major retailers including Asda, Tesco, Morrison’s, Homebase, B & Q and Dunelm Mill who have pledged to put up point-of-sale notices in their stores for barbecue equipment.
These products are designed solely for outdoor use and should not be used in enclosed spaces such as tents, caravans, campervans or homes. Modern tents are designed as an integral structure with built-in groundsheets and carbon monoxide gases can rise to fatal levels in a matter of minutes if portable or disposable barbecues are used inside for heating purposes.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. People often don’t realise that they are being overcome by fumes until it is too late. Exposure to the gas reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, thereby causing vital organs to fail. Early symptoms are similar to flu or food poisoning, but these worsen as more of the gas is breathed in and CO concentrations in the blood increase. Anyone who suspects that they may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should turn off all appliances, go outside and seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.
Lynn Griffiths, President of Carbon Monoxide Awareness, said: “Already this year there have been a number of camping fatalities and serious injuries resulting from people taking barbecue equipment into their tents and homes.”
Commenting, Marcus said: “I am pleased to support this campaign to help raise awareness of the risks associated with Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which is often not detected until it is too late. Each death from carbon monoxide poisoning is a tragedy and I offer my thanks to the charity for helping to raise awareness.”