TODAY MARKS THE start of Ireland’s first ever dedicated Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Elaine Hattie from Bord Gáis Networks says the aim of the week-long campaign is to make three key messages clear, which are to know the causes of carbon monoxide, the ways to prevent it and, finally, the ways to detect it.

Hattie says that this year they hope to dispel the view that carbon monoxide can result from gas only. Carbon monoxide isn’t fuel-specific and can be produced from burning coal, oil, gas and wood.

To protect against this, appliances should always be installed by a qualified technician, while ensuring that chimneys and vents remain clear.

For extra piece of mind – remembering that carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless – an alarm can also be fitted. Hattie told us what you need to look out for when purchasing:

A carbon monoxide alarm needs to be an audible alarm. Some just change colour when they detect carbon monoxide, which are of little use if you are asleep. They should also adhere to the European Standard and should also have an end of life mark on them too, as they usually need to be replaced every six years or so.

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