Elderly warned of silent killer

8:00am Wednesday 24th December 2008

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AGE Concern Hampshire is urging senior citizens to be alert to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the gas poses a threat to all, the elderly are particularly at risk, says the charity.

Carbon monoxide can leak out from faulty heating appliances. As a result, the number of cases tends to rise in the winter months.

In the UK, around 50 people die each year from inhaling the gas, with a further 200 seriously injured, says Age Concern Hampshire.

David Hurst, from the charity, said: “Older people are among the groups most susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning as they may have an old installation that might not have been recently serviced.

“It is really important to regularly service all household gas appliances to avoid deaths in the home as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Along with keeping boilers in good condition, residents are advised to check for warning signs that gas might be escaping. They include staining on the appliance and boilers burning with a yellow or orange flame instead of blue.

Age Concern Hampshire also offers free carbon monoxide detectors as part of a welcome package when people sign up to its energy service, which is provided in partnership with E.ON.

Call the charity on 01962 868545 or visit its HQ on the corner of St Cross Road and St Swithun Street in Winchester for more details.