Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has urged people to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

He was speaking during Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of carbon monoxide by providing information on the dangers, simple steps for safety and prevention, the most common symptoms, and where to seek help and advice.

To coincide with CO Awareness Week, Dr McBride has written to health professionals in Northern Ireland to alert them to the signs and symptoms to look out for in patients, and provide them with information to share with their patients on the steps to take to prevent exposure.

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He said: "Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a small number of deaths and hospital admissions each year in Northern Ireland. However, given that the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, diagnosing the illness is not easy.

"As with many illnesses, recognising the symptoms and getting medical help quickly is very important.

"he most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and feeling weak.

"If anyone suspects that they may have carbon monoxide poisoning, I would urge them to visit their GP as soon as possible."

The following signs may be recognised in the home: black sooty staining on or around an appliance (eg. a stove, boiler or fire), such as on the walls; the accumulation of smoke or excessive condensation in rooms owing to faulty flues – although you cannot smell CO, you may also be able to smell other combustion products; and yellow or orange, instead of blue, flames from gas appliances or boiler pilot lights (excluding 'decorative' flame fires).

(PR)