As people try to keep warm in the winter months, health experts are reminding people across Cumbria about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon-based fuels such as coal, gas or oil are not burned properly. This can happen when fuel appliances are not maintained or used properly.

Home appliances such as cookers, heaters, and fires can produce carbon monoxide if they are not working properly. As winter draws in, NHS Cumbria is reminding people to be aware of the risks.

Carbon monoxide is often called the 'silent killer' as it has no taste, colour or odour and depending on the levels inhaled, it can cause permanent damage to major organs and even kill someone within a few breaths.

The signs to look out for which could mean carbon monoxide is leaking from an appliance are: - A yellow or orange flame where there should normally be blue ones; - Sooty stains on the walls around fires and water heaters.

If anyone is concerned about the safety of their appliances they should get them checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms as a useful back-up precaution but they must not be regarded as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be similar to other ailments and infections such as food poisoning, or flu.

Symptoms to look out for include: - Tiredness - Drowsiness - Headaches - Giddiness - Nausea - Vomiting - Pains in the chest - Breathlessness - Stomach pains - Erratic behaviour - Visual problems For more information visit NHS direct on www.nhs.uk or call 0845 4647.

If anyone experiences any of the above symptoms and they believe they could have carbon monoxide poisoning they should seek urgent medical advice.

The presence of carbon monoxide is usually detected in a blood or breath test.

Dr Nigel Calvert, NHS Cumbria’s associate director of public health, said: "Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer for a good reason.

"It’s hard to detect and if you have been exposed to excessive amounts of the gas the symptoms are similar to that of a cold.

"This is why it's vital that people know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are, and get any home fuel appliances regularly checked.

"Older people, those with heart or lung problems, pregnant mothers, unborn babies, and young children are all particularly vulnerable to the dangers, so this is an important issue which if ignored could be fatal.”