Incident in Milton Keynes leads to firefighters' warning about 'the silent killer'

Bucks Fire and Rescue Service is warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide after an incident in MK today.
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Fire crews were called to a suspected carbon monoxide leak in a flat on Fishermead's Padstow Avenue shortly before 8am.

It is thought the leak was coming from a boiler and firefighters used breathing apparatus and a gas monitor to isolated the gas and boiler.

They then ventilated the flat and carried out a Fire and Wellness check.

Gas appliances should be checked regularlyGas appliances should be checked regularly
Gas appliances should be checked regularly

A Bucks Fire spokesman said afterwards: "Following the incident in Milton Keynes today, we would like to share this information about carbon monoxide - sometimes referred to as "the silent killer" - and our Fire and Wellness Visits, available free to people assessed as at greatest risk."

Carbon monoxide is a gas which cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a fuel-burning appliance such as a boiler, gas or open fire has not been properly installed, maintained or ventilated. Boilers can produce carbon monoxide naturally, but the gas is usually carried out of the house via a flue.

When you breathe it in, carbon monoxide prevents your blood cells from carrying enough oxygen. The brain and heart suffer quickly, but all body organs are harmed by lack of oxygen.

High levels of carbon monoxide can kill quickly, but even low levels can have long-lasting effects

Some 200 people are hospitalised in the UK every year with carbon monoxide poisoning

To be screened for a Fire and Wellness visit please call Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service on 01296 744477 or email [email protected]For more information about the dangers of carbon monoxide see here

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