THE fire service are alerting people to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide after crews attended three separate suspected leaks in just a few days. 

Labelled the 'silent killer' because it can't be seen, smelt or tasted, Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning has seen five adults and a child hospitalised in just four days and led to the death of one man in Whistley Green. 

An elderly Bracknell couple were taken to hospital yesterday following a suspected leak. 

Following the spate of incidents, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has warning people of the symptoms of CO poisoning and how they can protect themselves and their families. 

Assistant chief fire officer, Paul Southern, said: "Symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for common viruses and can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness and loss of consciousness.

“CO leaks are often the result of fuel burning appliances (e.g. boilers and gas fires) and flues that are not properly installed, maintained or ventilated. The best way to protect yourself and your family against the dangers of CO is to invest in a carbon monoxide detector. Like smoke alarms, they provide an audible warning in the event of a leak, enabling you and your family to escape to safety."

He recommended people fit both CO detectors and smoke alarms at home, have chimneys swept regularly if their is an open fire or wood-burning stove and ensure gas and oil heating appliance are serviced regularly be a OFTEC registered engineer. 

Private sector landlords now have to install smoke alarms on every floor of their property and a CO detector in any room with a fuel burning appliance by law. 

To find a qualified engineer, visit the Gas Safe Register: www.gassaferegister.co.uk and to find an OFTEC engineer, visit www.oftec.org.uk