“Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer,” warned CEO of Kidsafe Tasmania, Jenny Branch-Allen in an article in the Tasmanian Times. “Children can and do die of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas: you can’t see it, you can’t smell it and you can’t taste it.”
The overnight charcoal grill incident highlighted the potential dangers of using appliances such as those that burn or use gas, petrol, oil, kerosene or wood, due to possible production of carbon monoxide.
It is often called the ‘silent killer’ as its effects can be deadly, and people can die from breathing it before they know it is there. Everyone, including animals, can die from CO poisoning. There is an even greater risk for pregnant women, unborn babies, children, the elderly as well as people with chronic heart disease, anaemia, or respiratory problems.
