Three people from Cornwall, an elderly couple and their daughter, have passed away following a Carbon Monoxide leak at their home. It is thought that the three adults, including their pet dog, died after poisonous fumes escaped from a portable heater in their static caravan. President and director of the independent charity CO-Gas Safety, Stephanie Trotter, said carbon monoxide is an incredibly lethal gas whereby "less than two per cent of CO (carbon monoxide) can kill in between one and three minutes". A Carbon Monoxide Alarm is designed to detect the presence of the odourless gas and alert a family in a similar fashion to how a smoke detector works in the event of a fire. The fire service have been trying to promote the use of carbon monoxide alarms in the home to the public, and particuarly holidaymakers in regards to the dangers of using portable BBQs and portable heaters. This is following a number of fatalities to holidaymakers over recent years, who have bought BBQ's or heaters into caravans or tents to keep warm. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this tradgedy.
(Quoted from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9890486/Cornwall-caravan-park-deaths-warnings-on-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-risks.html )