Inspection aid to reduce carbon monoxide deaths

The CIEH and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have launched a new housing inspection aid to help reduce carbon monoxide poisoning.

The one page checklist outlines key indicators of the possible presence of carbon monoxide and the symptoms in occupants that environmental health practitioners should look out for.

CIEH Principal Policy Officer Bob Mayho said: "Carbon monoxide causes the death of around 50 people each year in England and Wales and a much larger number of non lethal poisonings.

"The Residential Inspection Aid has been developed to help environmental health practitioners deal with such incidents and reduce the harm exposure can cause." The aid also gives practical advice on how to prevent exposure and what follow up action to take if necessary.