A mother and her ten-year old daughter have died over the Bank Holiday after suspected Carbon Monoxide poisoning on a boat in Lake Windermere, Cumbria. The family were reportedly on the privately-owned boat for the holidays which may have been fitted with a faulty generator when the incident happened. A man, who was also on board the boat, is still being treated in hospital. Inquiries are continuing into the exact cause of this tragedy and our thoughts are with the family of those involved. Carbon Monoxide is known as the "silent killer" and is responsible for over 50 deaths a year in the UK alone, with over 200 people left dangerously ill. Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, dizziness and shortness of breath. Undetectable by sight, smell or taste, the only way to detect the presence of CO is with a detector. These can be bought for very little money and are fully transportable so can be taken on holidays, as well as functioning in the home.  Another case of Carbon Monoxide poisoning was reported last week in Wales* when a detector went off informing a family, including a six-month-old baby, that an outbreak had occurred. They were all treated in hospital for mild CO poisoning and are since recovering well. The crew manager for the fire brigade confirmed that the leak had come from a boiler less than three years old and wanted to remind homeowners not to be complacent with new appliances as they can still pose a safety threat. Remember, it is recommended to get your appliances checked at least once a year by a fully registered Gas Safety engineer. To find a registered engineer in your area, go to http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
*Read more: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Family-poisoned-carbon-monoxide-Betws/story-18541376-detail/story.html#ixzz2PJEiHvkL