Carbon monoxide detectors save lives

I WAS grieved by the reports of the death of one woman, the serious injury of another woman and the injury of a number of other individuals as a result of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a Co Cork hotel.

There are a considerable number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in Ireland each year, all of which could be prevented by the presence of carbon monoxide detectors in inhabited buildings.

I lost my boyfriend, Alexis Landry, to carbon monoxide poisoning in November 2008. In his case, the gas was emitted by a faulty gas cooker, one of over 7,000 which have since been recalled by the manufacturer. To date, 20% of these faulty cookers have not been located, as the 2010 Report on the Gas Technical Standards Committee indicates.

Alexis was living in rented accommodation which, like most rented accommodation in Ireland, had a smoke detector but did not have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide gas can be produced by the burning of fossil fuels by boilers and appliances as well as in fireplaces but has no taste, smell or colour.

A detector is crucial in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. These generally retail at prices ranging from €25-€60 and are widely available in Irish supermarkets and hardware stores.

Current Irish legislation does not require building-owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in buildings although the installation of smoke detectors is required by building regulations. Following the deaths of two teenagers due to carbon monoxide poisoning in rented accommodation in Co Donegal last August, Stormont ministers Arlene Foster and Sammy Wilson were appointed to investigate the issue and have engaged in discussions with a view to making the installation of carbon monoxide detectors compulsory in all new dwellings in Northern Ireland. The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland launched a major campaign last November to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

However, the response of the government in the Republic to the Donegal case and similar cases in recent years has been limited to a number of advertisements which do not adequately address the issue.

Following what is suspected to be yet another tragic death from carbon monoxide poisoning, I would urge the Government to begin to take this issue more seriously by appointing a minister to investigate the possibility of amending existing building regulations.

I would also urge Bord Gáis and the manufacturers of gas and solid fuel burning boilers and appliances to take their responsibilities towards the public more seriously by making a greater effort to highlight the threat of carbon monoxide gas and the necessity of regularly servicing boilers and appliances.

Bernadette McCarthy

Carrigadrohid

Co Cork