Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that can kill people in as little as three minutes, however hundreds of thousands of homes do not have carbon monoxide alarms, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has warned.

This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and as part of this event, the NSAI is highlighting the importance of having a carbon monoxide alarm in your home or place of work and having fuel burning appliances, such as boilers, regularly serviced.

"Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer as it has no smell, colour or taste and at high levels can kill in as little as three minutes. It is produced when any fossil fuel is burned, for example, peat, turf, wood, coal, oil or petrol. But it doesn't just occur at home - carbon monoxide can be produced anywhere that fuel is being burned, such as caravans, tents, boats and workplaces," explained Yvonne Wylde, technical standards manager at the NSAI.

Around six people die every year in Ireland as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, however it is estimated that over 730,000 adults do not own a carbon monoxide alarm. Ms Wylde described it as ‘crucial' that people are aware of the dangers of this gas and the precautions that they need to take to protect themselves.

"Make sure your home has at least one audible carbon monoxide alarm, especially wherever there is a fuel burning appliance and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. An audible carbon monoxide alarm should also be fitted in caravans, boats and other locations where fuel is burned," she said.

However, she pointed out that not all alarms that are currently on sale in Ireland comply with standards. To this end, the NSAI is advising people to look out for three quality marks when buying an alarm:
-EN 50291
-The CE-Mark symbol
-An end-of-life indicator.

These symbols show that the alarm has been tested and certified to the highest quality standards. A basic alarm that complies with EU standards costs between €20 and €30.

"For as little as €20, carbon monoxide deaths could be prevented with the purchase of an audible carbon monoxide alarm. However, carbon monoxide alarms are no substitute for having your appliances, be it gas, oil, wood or fossil fuel, properly installed and regularly serviced by a qualified service agent. It is also vital your home or business has the appropriate ventilation," commented NSAI chief executive, Maurice Buckley.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, stop using any fuel burning appliances immediately, ventilate where you are and visit a doctor immediately. Have your fuel burning appliance inspected before reusing it and install an audible alarm.

The NSAI offers the following tips to people:
-Be aware that any appliance that burns any type of fuel can produce carbon monoxide
-Ensure your fuel burning appliances are properly installed and regularly serviced by a qualified person. Your chimney should be swept annually
-Use fuel burning appliances correctly and never use an appliance you suspect may be faulty
-Keep chimneys, vents and flues clear at all times
-Have at least one audible carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home or anywhere else you burn fuel. Make sure this is of an acceptable standard and test it regularly to ensure it is still working.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from September 26 - October 2. For more information, click here