Children exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as number of A&E cases spikes

The number of children in Kent going to A&E with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has spiked by more than 1,000%.

The data was released after Project SHOUT, a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of CO poisoning, sent NHS trusts around the country a Freedom of Information request.

Kent trusts collectively recorded 13 cases of children being poisoned by CO in the year 2016-17, a 1,200% jump from the 2014-15 figure of one.

CO poisoning happens once the chemical produced from fuel doesn't burn properly. This usually comes from poorly fitted or badly maintained appliances such as boilers and cookers.

It's believed the cause of the increase could be down to heightened awareness around the conditions, which causes symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea and generally feeling unwell.

The chemical, which commonly comes from gas and oil burners, gas hobs and fires, log burners, open fires and barbecues, was responsible for 500 cases nationwide last year.

Around 50 people across the country die each year as a result of poisoning.

Last year six-year-old Aaden-James Mann had to be taken to Medway Maritime Hospital after a CO leak was discovered from the boiler in the family home.

It meant the boiler was taken out of use, meaning his mother could not use the heating or hot water in the midst of a cold February.

People are being urged to buy and fit a CO detector as it is impossible to see, hear or taste the gas.