The member of Parliament for West Ham is supporting a new national campaign, ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all their gas, oil and solid-fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is backed by victims’ charities, professional organisations and energy companies, and by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location.

 Lyn Brown MP, said:

 “I would like to see a requirement for all new homes to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate.”

  “Audible alarms only cost £15 and can be fitted in seconds but they could save your life. I would urge every household to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional.

 Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which can kill or cause lasting damage to your health. The early symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, loss of balance and forgetfulness. Research conducted for the campaign showed that only six per cent of people would describe themselves as “very confident” that they would recognise the symptoms, which can easily be confused with those of other illnesses, such as flu.

 Nigel Dumbrell, Chairman of campaign organisers the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, said:

 “Carbon Monoxide has no colour, odour or taste and is impossible to detect without an alarm. It’s essential that the public know how to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is the first time that such a broad alliance of organisations has come together to campaign on the issue of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and we’re delighted that Lyn Brown MP has added her weight to the campaign.”