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Journal of Public Health

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01-10-2016 | Original Article

Carbon monoxide alarms: a community distribution project

Authors: Sarah J. Jones, Heather Lewis, Joanne McCarthy, Kristian James, Karen McFarlane, Huw Brunt

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Aim

This project aimed to increase knowledge and awareness of carbon monoxide (CO), to monitor CO levels in domestic dwellings, to distribute CO alarms and to estimate the costs of this project.

Subject and methods

Local authority officers on routine house visits monitored and recorded CO levels and offered free CO alarms. Short education sessions were delivered at parent and baby sessions in the most deprived areas of South Wales. Participants were also offered a free CO alarm and information pack.

Results

Local authority officers visited 442 properties and found CO levels to be 0 ppm in 412. Urgent action was taken at two properties with CO levels greater than 10 ppm. One fifth of properties already had a CO alarm and 83.5 % of those offered a CO alarm accepted one.

Education was delivered to 70 participants; 54 were followed up and all had improved knowledge of CO causes, symptoms and prevention at follow up. In addition, participants felt that they had learned something important and been empowered by the education session.

Conclusions

There is considerable scope for increasing CO education and alarm uptake. Both of these approaches can be used to achieve this.

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Title: Carbon monoxide alarms: a community distribution project
Authors: Sarah J. Jones
Heather Lewis
Joanne McCarthy
Kristian James
Karen McFarlane
Huw Brunt
Publication date: 01-10-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-016-0737-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Carbon monoxide alarms: a community distribution project

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusions

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