Low consumer awareness of link between fossil fuels & Carbon Monoxide (CO)

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1 Media Release Monday 23 rd September 2013 Low consumer awareness of link between fossil fuels & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Only 1 in 3 are aware that oil & gas can produce CO when burned Only 1 in 4 are aware that coal, kerosene and bottled gas can produce CO when burned Only 1 in 5 are aware charcoal, peat and turf can produce CO when burned Only 1 in 7 are aware that wood and wood pellets can produce CO when burned The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, today launched the results of consumer research commissioned by Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. This research shows low levels of consumer awareness of the connection between burning fossil fuels and the risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. On average, six people in Ireland die each year from accidental CO poisoning according to figures from the HSE. Exposure to CO can cause illness and even death as when inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. The results of the research carried out in August 2013 were revealed at the launch of the second annual national Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week a public safety initiative organised by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and supported by public bodies and organisations involved in the energy sector. The survey shows that there is poor public knowledge of the fact that all fossil fuels can produce CO when burned. For example just 1 in 3 consumers are aware that oil and gas can produce CO, and that drops to 1 in 4 for coal, kerosene and bottled gas and 1 in 5 for the burning of charcoal, peat and turf. Only 1 in 7 are aware of the potential CO danger in burning wood and wood pellets. Although there is a high level of awareness of the importance of regular maintenance and servicing of fuel burning appliances in helping prevent CO (73%), the survey also shows that for a large percentage of people (57%) the cost of appliance servicing is a prohibiting factor. Speaking at the launch of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2013, Minister Rabbitte said, I want to lend my support to the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Fossil fuels bring us huge benefits, from making some of the electricity that we depend on for so many activities, to heating and cooking in our homes. But, they can be so dangerous if not burned safely. I hope that this week s campaign will help raise awareness of the dangers and save lives.

2 Also speaking at the event, Dr. Paul McGowan, CER Commissioner said; This research shows that everyone needs to be more aware that every fossil fuel when burned has the potential to produce CO. CO poses a very real threat to people s lives. Regular appliance servicing and keeping vents, flues and chimneys clear are extremely important to ensure the safety of family members and loved ones. Further information on Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is available on or by contacting QUICK CO FACTS: CO is a poisonous, colourless and odourless gas It is produced when carbon-based fuels do not have enough oxygen to burn completely When inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen If exposed to CO over a period of time it can cause illness and even death REMINDERS: Remember the causes: Carbon Monoxide can be produced when any fuel is burnt, including oil, gas, wood and coal ENDS Remember to service: To prevent Carbon Monoxide, have appliances serviced annually and keep vents, flues and chimneys clear Remember the alarm: Carbon Monoxide is odourless and colourless so for added protection install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm For further information, please contact: David Ó Síocháin, Pembroke Communications / david@pembrokecomms.ie Eimear Brady, Pembroke Communications / eimear@pembrokecomms.ie Elaine Hattie, Bord Gáis Networks, / networkspressoffice@bge.ie / ehattie@bge.ie Notes to Editors About the CER The CER is a statutory body with responsibilities in areas of energy safety. The CER s responsibilities include promoting the safe use of fuels related to these areas. About the CER Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Working Group This working group was set up in 2012 to coordinate activities around Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Participants include the Commission for Energy Regulation, Bord Gáis Networks, Registered Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII), Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC), National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), Irish Liquid Petroleum Gas Association (ILPGA), EI Electronics and the energy retailers Airtricity, Bord Gáis Energy, Calor, Electric Ireland and Flogas,.

3 About Carbon Monoxide (CO) Preventative Measures There are a number of preventative measures that can be put in place to reduce this risk of CO poisoning: Make sure all appliances are installed and serviced annually by a registered qualified technician for your fuel type Sweep chimneys regularly and make sure they are kept clear Keep air vents clear Ensure rooms containing heating or cooking appliances are properly ventilated Use appliances only for the purpose for which they were designed e.g. never use a patio heater or BBQ indoors Never run engines in enclosed spaces Install an audible CO alarm. Make sure the alarm complies with European Standard EN 50291, carries a CE mark, has an end of life indicator and carries an independent certification mark. The alarms should always be installed as per manufacturers instructions and it is possible that more than one alarm may be needed to provide adequate protection. CO Symptoms Symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu and may include headaches, chest pains, sickness, diarrhea, dizziness or general lethargy. If you or your family experiences any of these symptoms and you believe CO may be involved, you should ask your doctor to check for CO poisoning. If you find a person ill or unconscious and suspect CO poisoning, ventilate the area immediately by opening windows and doors.

4 About the Research Ignite Research carried out a nationally representative quantitative online survey of 1,000 Irish residents over the age of 18. Research Findings: Which fuels can produce CO when burned? 35% Petrol/Diesel 34% Gas 31% Oil 27% Coal/Coke 26% Parafin/Kerosene 23% Bottled Gas 19% Charcoal 18% Peat/Turf 14% Wood/Wood pellets Which appliances can cause CO poisoning? 50% Gas central heating boilers 41% Gas cookers 40% Oil central heating boilers 37% Mobile gas heaters 34% Petrol or diesel generators 30% Gas effect fires 29% Vehicle engines 26% Open (solid fuel) fires 22% Wood burning or solid fuel stoves 16% Wood pellet boilers 11% BBQs 30% All of the above 10% don t know Which can help prevent the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home? 81% Installing an audible CO Alarm 75% Keeping vents clear 73% Regularly maintaining and servicing fuel burning appliances 70% Having appliances installed, serviced & maintained by qualified technicians 70% Checking chimneys and flues for blockages 50% Only using appliance for the purpose they were designed for Which is the most effective way to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home? 65% Installing an audible CO Alarm 52% Maintaining and servicing fuel burning appliances annually 47% Checking chimneys and flues for blockages 43% Only using appliance for the purpose they were designed for 22% Ensuring all windows and doors are open in rooms containing heating appliances

5 When was the last time you had your fuel burning appliance serviced? 23% In the last 6 months 32% In the last year 15% In the last two years 3% In the last three years 5% Over 3 years ago 8% To my knowledge it has never been serviced 15% Don t know What is the biggest barrier to having your heating appliance serviced? 57% Cost of service 26% No real barriers 7% Time to facilitate servicing 4% Taking time out of work to facilitate serving What is the biggest barrier to purchasing an audible CO Alarm? 41% There are no real barriers 30% cost of CO alarms 14% Knowing where to purchase one 4% Don t think CO alarms are necessary What should you look for when investigating CO issues in the home? 43% Discoloration or sooting around appliances 24% Condensation on walls/windows 17% Slow yellow flame on gas appliance where blue flame would be the norm 30% There would be no signs What are the most likely symptoms of CO poisoning? 65% Headaches 59% Dizziness 57% Nausea 48% Lethargy 23% Flu-like symptoms 10% Diarrhoea 17% Don t know