Carbon Monoxide: Sales of alarms rise tenfold in Ballymena

Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both 18, were overcome by the fumes of a defective liquid petroleum appliance. Their friend Matthew Gaw, who was also in the apartment at the time, survived the poisonous leak.

As a result of the tragedy, sales of the alarms have increased Leslie Kinnear of Nicholl Brothers in Ballymena said that in the last two weeks sales of the alarms have increased tenfold.

He said: "We usually sell one or two but since this terrible incident we have had to order more in.

"People were coming in during the week asking for them and I had to take their names to call them back when we had an order in. The suppliers are going to have to order more stock for Northern Ireland because of the increase in demand.

"All our alarms are British made to the highest standard and have the BS Kitemark.

"Now we have increased the amount ordered there shouldn't be a problem if you come down to the store.

"We have also noticed people are coming in and buying them to take with them to use in hotels and apartments when they go on holiday."

Meanwhile in a statement last week, the Public Health Agency offered some general advice and said anyone displaying any of the following symptoms - headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness - should seek medical help immediately.

They should also contact their local Gas Safe registered engineer and request a full gas safety check and install an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm as a further precautionary measure.

signs and symptoms

Dr Anne Wilson, Consultant in Health Protection, Public Health Agency advised: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and can also cause long-term health problems if victims are exposed to low doses over a long period of time. The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as food poisoning or flu – the symptoms can be similar to flu but without a raised temperature. Please look out for these signs and symptoms and consider if carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause:

immediately turn off all appliances, go outside and seek medical help from a qualified healthcare professional. Appliances should not be used again until they have been serviced by a registered engineer.”

The Public Health Agency recommends the following actions to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

n install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm that meets British or European standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291). These cost as little as 20.00 and can be purchased from large DIY stores and food retail stores. Alarms however, should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances;

n sweep chimneys and flues every year if you use solid fuel;

n if you are in rented accommodation ask your landlord to provide you with an up-to-date gas safety record. This is a requirement by law and is particularly important for students renting houses and flats;

n keep flues, air vents and grilles clear and ensure rooms are well ventilated.