Teenagers' Mothers Back CO Campaign

The mothers of two teenage boys who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 have endorsed a new campaign urging people to install alarms in their homes.

18-year-olds Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran died in August 2010 at apartments in Castlerock, County L'Derry.

Now their mothers, Katrina Davidson and Catherine McFerran, are backing a campaign to raise awareness.

"Since our sons were cruelly taken from us by this silent killer, we have campaigned to try to prevent similar tragedies," they said.

"Carbon monoxide alarms are now compulsory for all new homes in Northern Ireland and when new appliances are installed in Scotland, but many people in older homes or in the rest of the UK may still be at risk.

"Make sure you and your loved ones are protected, make sure you have a working, audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home. It is not a risk worth taking."

Research released by the Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign found that over half the British population does not have carbon monoxide alarms fitted in the home.

Dr Rob Hicks, GP and medical commentator, said: "At high levels, carbon monoxide can kill you in a matter of minutes. At lower levels, it can cause a range of serious and long-term health problems.

"The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very hard to recognise, even for doctors, as they are similar to many common illnesses like flu and food poisoning.

"This makes it very easy to miss the warning signs, with life-threatening consequences. Don't take the risk. Most people wouldn't dream of not having a smoke alarm - it should be the same with carbon monoxide alarms."

(IT)