Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced when natural gas, coal, oil and wood are burned in a restricted oxygen supply as can occur in faulty heating appliances.
CO is odourless, colourless and tasteless and inhaling it can kill. There have been a number of deaths caused by CO poisoning.
The gas distribution networks (GDNs) have carried out awareness campaigns independently and with community and voluntary groups. Some GDNs have also opted to provide personal alarms for their field staff which will detect CO levels in the air.
The companies have produced an all-fuels carbon monoxide leaflet, which they will leave with customers when they visit. This shows what consumers can do to protect themselves from CO and what action they should take if they suspect a CO incident.
The GDNs have submitted other options to the energy regulator Ofgem as part of the next price control.
Be Alarmed! campaign website.
Be Gas Safe programme website.
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