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Pictured at the launch of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2014 were renowned GAA sports caster and campaign ambassador Marty Morrissey; Sheenagh Rooney, Director of Energy Safety and Operations at the Commission for Energy Regulation; Paul McGowan, Commissioner at the Commission for Energy Regulation and Owen Wilson, Head of Safety at Bord Gáis Networks. Photo: Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Worrying research commissioned by Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week has found that 59% of Munster homes do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm installed. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs this week, from September 22nd to 28th.

Almost two thirds of Munster households said they could do more to protect themselves from carbon monoxide, but most of those did not know how to do so. According to figures from the Health Service Executive, six people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

The research, launched at the beginning of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week by Minister for Communications, Energy and Resources Alex White, paints a stark picture. It suggests that consumers lack information about the dangers of carbon monoxide, as well as how to prevent exposure to the poisonous gas.

LOW AWARENESS

Minister White emphasised the need for caution in the use of fossil fuels like gas, oil, wood and charcoal. “The fuels we use enable us to heat our homes and cook our food. But they need to be used with care. I hope that this week’s campaign will raise awareness of the potential dangers and help us all to eliminate unnecessary risks and save lives.”

Other issues raised by the research include the fact that it had been two years or longer since a quarter of Munster homes had their boiler serviced, as well as generally low awareness nationwide that all burned fossil fuels produce carbon monoxide.

Speaking at the launch, Director of Energy Safety and Operations for the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sheenagh Rooney underscored the necessity of servicing appliances and keeping vents, flues and chimneys clear. “This research shows that everyone needs to be more aware that every fossil fuel, when burned, has the potential to produce carbon monoxide.”

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