This week has been Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Surprisingly, 95% of the UK know carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, but only 6% of us can correctly identify the most common symptoms… So, to increase the UK’s awareness, npower asked six children to give the invisible killer an identifiable persona by drawing what they thought it would look like if they could see it, and professional illustrators have brought their drawings to life.
Watch this video to see the kids in action, creating their Carbon Monoxide monsters
And check this handy infographic to get yourself up to date on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide. Some of the facts are quite shocking – I’m surprised 34% of people don’t have a carbon monoxide detector! It’s also really worrying that there’s a clear disparity between the UK’s awareness of CO poisoning and the UK’s actual understanding of what the symptoms are, which appliances can be a cause and also what people should do if they suspect they are suffering from CO poisoning. I have to admit, I wouldn’t have been sure of all the symptoms myself (although luckily we do have an alarm) so it’s always worth refreshing yourself to make sure you stay aware of it just in case.
Each year in the UK over 200 people are admitted to hospital with suspected CO poisoning and around 50 people die unnecessarily from it. This new research suggests people in the UK are unaware of what the symptoms of CO poisoning are, so the true number of people affected could potentially be much higher.
Carbon monoxide is completely invisible, it has no smell and no taste, so the only definitive way to detect a leak is with a CO alarm.
For more information about carbon monoxide and to find out how to protect your family, visit: www.npower.com/co-safety.
Giveaway
Thanks to npower, we have two carbon monoxide alarms to give away. For your chance to win, please enter via the Gleam widget below
Good luck!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
headache, dizziness. stomach pain
Im aware of drowsiness headache and sickness
Didn’t realise the incidence was so high
I’m aware of headaches, feeling dizzy and sick.
Headache and sickness.x
generally feeling unwell and headaches x
Drowsiness, headaches and sickness
I did not know all the symptoms.Some of those symptoms could be put down to other things which is possibly why carbon monoxide poisoning goes unnoticed.
Dizziness, tiredness and headaches, its an invisable killer
yes I know the symptoms, i knew someone years ago that was renting a home and it was way before detectors were available and before anyone was really aware of carbon monoxide in the home, she went to bed and woke up in hospital. both her and her young son had been unconcious and had been very fortunate that someone discovered them, the poor budgie didn’t make it. It took her several months before she made a full recovery.
I am aware of it and think a detector is very important
I wasn’t aware of all of the symptoms, this is really helpful, thank you.
I am very aware – Some symptoms are headache, dizziness. stomach pain
i have read what they are but luckily have never experienced it
was aware of tiredness, dizziness and headaches but a little oblivious to others
Headaches,feeling dizzy ,wanting to fall asleep
I don’t think I would have been able to name the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. We have had our gas fire removed and our boiler is in the loft, so hopefully we should never be affected.
I know the signs and am very careful to keep my eye out xx
Tiredness and headaches. Thanks for the comp xxx
Yes I do know the symptons, I have a sticker inside the cupboard door as a reminder
I thought headaches could be a symptom, I live in rented accommodation and my landlady isn’t the best, so I really appreciate this post
My cousin has life long ill health due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Very aware of the feeling sleepy and headaches symptoms.
i knew a few of them but stomach pains and shortness of breath – i would never have known!
Drowsiness loss of coordination
I knew some of them, I need to get one of these now
I have heard about the symptoms and I know it’s really important to check and install these detectors in your home. It’s always good to be reminded about it though and your blog has just done that. I’m just going to check mine are still in good woking order now and suggest everyone does it now that’s you’ve brought it up. x
I dont know much about it at all
I personally know a few of them but i don’t have any experience to share with you.
would love to have one. it is important to make sure that we do keep our selves in check from these problems
I know of headaches and generally always feeling unwell/sleepy.
Made sure I had a detector after seeing on the TV about a boy who died after fumes came in from the neighbours house –
Not got this type of alarm & think I really need one!
Headaches, feeling dizzy and sick.
My partner and family almost died from Carbon Monoxide poisoning in the 80’s in a French roadside motel. Why we have detectors all over the house.
Dizziness, headache and sickness, followed sadly by unconciousness and finally death. Better to prevent for the sake of a gadget you can buy for about £12.
feelimg drowsy nauseous
I knew most of the symptoms, but would you recognise them as such, or just think it’s a bug? That’s why the detectors are so important!
I knew a lot of the symptoms. I’m always very wary of Carbon Monoxide in the home but it is an invisible killer x
Headache, dizziness, sleepiness and nausea
I wasn’t aware, this is really helpful
I am aware of the symptoms which include headaches and nausea
headaches and sickness are some of the symptms
Yes I know headaches and dizziness are symptoms
I do know about headaches, dizziness and stomach pain and I know how careful we have to be and very watchful too. Thank you for your advice.
Yes, I’m aware of these problems – and falling asleep and not waking up at all too! Great post, this needs a lot more exposure. Great prize too, here’s hoping!
I am aware of the symptoms as work in a housing association, at work all our properties are fitted with electronic co alarms which are so important – i should keep it up in my own home but same as a lot of people i do not practice what i preach which is very naughty and i should know better.
I am aware of the sign & symptoms because I had an experience working in a home where there was a leak from the gas pipes.
Signs & Symptoms: Headaches & dizziness, tiredness, nausea & Vomiting & falling asleep & not waking up if the person inhale excessive amount of carbon monoxide gas which is colorless. A carbon monoxide detector is a life saver!
I am aware of the sign & symptoms because I had an experience working in a home where there was a leak from the gas pipes.
Signs & Symptoms: Headaches & dizziness, tiredness, nausea & Vomiting & falling asleep & not waking up if the person inhale excessive amount of carbon monoxide gas which is colorless. A carbon monoxide detector is a life saver!
I was aware of the symptoms of headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting.
Headaches, feeling dizzy & sick
i know of the symptoms headache, dizziness, sickeness
Headache, feeling dizzy and sick I think.
I’m aware of headaches, dizziness and feeling sick
I’m aware of headaches, dizziness and nausea, I’m surprised that these are not automatically provided in rental accommodation or when you buy a new boiler.
Headache and sickness
Drowsy. headaches, nausea