The Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Communities, Social Justice and Housing, Peter Black, has pledged his support for the campaign being run by Age Concern Cymru and Wales and West Utilities to raise awareness of the risks posed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide is a heavily toxic, colourless, tasteless, scentless gas which is created when fuel does not gain enough oxygen while burning. The gas accounts for more than thirty deaths a year in the UK and can be difficult to detect due to its lack of colour, taste and odour.
"It is vitally important that people are informed about the dangers of this gas, which can be created in our homes by poorly serviced boilers and heating equipment." said Mr Black. "It represents a particular danger due to the fact it has no obvious taste, smell or colour but even low levels of Carbon Monoxide can be fatal if enough is inhaled."
"The message in this campaign is to ensure that all household appliances that burn fuels are properly maintained and that air vents are not blocked. It's also crucial that all maintenance on gas products is carried out by a Corgi registered engineer."
"I would, however, go further than the campaign and say that I would like to see carbon monoxide detectors in all council and housing association owned properties. Many of these properties are rented by those most at risk, such as the elderly and families with young children. The cost of detectors is around £20, which is far lower than the potential cost of not having one. We should also encourage owner occupiers to install a detector as well, as I did a few years ago."
