READING THIS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE AND COULD HELP US CHANGE THE LAW AND PREVENT FUTURE TRAGEDIES
PLEASE ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIONS TO ASK THEIR MP TO SIGN THIS EARLY DAY MOTION
EDM 1032 Breed, Colin
That this House records its sadness that 16 people have already been reported as having died of accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the UK since September 2006*; commends the recommendations which were made by the Health and Safety Commission in 2000, including a modest levy on gas suppliers to provide funds for raising awareness of the dangers of CO; recognises the need for regular servicing of appliances by qualified operatives, adequate ventilation, regular chimney sweeping and the use of CO alarms in preventing CO poisoning; further recognises that the gas emergency service should have and use equipment to test appliances for CO; and urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make these recommendations mandatory given the lack of industry movement since 1997, and to make funds available for a body to assist the victims, their families and to fund further research.. * Up to March 2007 only.
100 MPs have signed this which is a triumph
This also shows how many MPs consider this topic to be of interest to them and their constituents.
We are now aiming for 309 - one more than the support for Gordon Brown MP to be leader.
READING THIS MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE OR THAT OF A LOVED ONE
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas which can be emitted from any faulty heating or cooking appliance powered by fuel that burns (gas, coal, oil, wood etc.). In our opinion deaths and injuries are hugely unreported. Dead bodies are not automatically tested for CO and GPs almost never diagnose or test those complaining of symptoms of poisoning which are very similar to any virus (headaches, nausea, exhaustion etc.). Less than 2% of CO in the air can kill in less than two minutes. Long term low level poisoning can cause brain and other neurological damage. For more information and how to prevent CO poisoning please visit www.co-gassafety.co.uk
Recent research by University College London has shown:-
* 23% of homes had one or more defective gas appliance;
* 8% of homes were judged to be at risk of dangerous levels of CO;
* 45% of homes had received no information on the dangers of CO; and
* A higher prevalence of problem appliances was found in the homes of vulnerable people (young, old, those in receipt of benefits).
PLEASE ASK YOUR MP IF HE OR SHE HAS SIGNED AND IF NOT, WHY NOT?
Please note that MPs tend to take up causes that receive from THREE LETTERS OR MORE so if you could possibly ask ALL your friends to write as well this will make a REAL DIFFERENCE.
DEMOCRACY CAN WORK BUT ONLY IF YOU HELP
If you do not know the name of your MP, either go on the House of Commons’ website or ring 0207 219 3000 and ask for information and for your MP’s name and give your post code. You can then write to your MP by name at House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A OAA or even better, find out when and where your MP’s ’surgery’ is held in your local area and go and see him or her. Please encourage your friends to do the same so you can make sure your MP receives at least three letters on this topic.
Thank you very much indeed for your invaluable help. Your action will help save people from avoidable deaths and injuries from this silent killer.
Yours Sincerely
Stephanie Trotter, QBE, (Mrs.) President & Director and full time volunteer since 1995.
