COUNCIL health chiefs have issued guidlines to alert people to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Every year, around 50 people die and more than 100,000 suffer illness from faulty home heating appliances which give out poisonous carbon monoxide fumes. And in a bid to reduce these figures, St Helens Council are advising people to check for these warning signs when switching on the fire:

Gas flames that burn orange or yellow instead of blue.

Sooty-type stains on or just above the appliance.

Solid fuel appliances which burn slowly or go out.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, dizziness, cardiac-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, headaches, sleep disturbance, apathy, memory disturbance and loss of appetite and there are also advice leaflets available at doctors surgeries.

To prevent faulty heating appliances, the council offer the following advice:

Have your appliance regularly serviced by a qualified engineer.

Ensure your home is properly ventilated -- never block up vents.

Ensure all chimneys and flues are regularly swept and kept clear.

If buying a carbon monoxide detector, look for one which complies with BS 7860 -- but never rely on these devices.

For a free information leaflet on carbon monoxide poisoning, contact Andy McCully, the council's Health Promotion Officer at Wesley House on (01744) 456468.