APPCOG welcomes optional Carbon Monoxide test for pregnant women
In an attempt to protect unborn babies from the effects of smoking, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has suggested that pregnant women be tested for carbon monoxide (CO) during antenatal appointments, via an immediate and non-invasive biochemical method, and referred to "smoking cessation services" if needed.
The All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, (APPCOG), welcome NICE's proposals for pregnant women to be offered the carbon monoxide test. This will be especially beneficial for those women who are concerned about being exposed to carbon monoxide from second-hand smoke or from other sources.
As well as being present in tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide poisoning is produced when faulty, badly maintained or misused appliances such as faulty household boilers or other heating appliances emit fatal levels of the deadly gas. Charcoal BBQs, portable gas stoves, generators and any other fuel burning equipment can also produce lethal doses of the gas.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas - often dubbed the 'Silent Killer' - and can kill quickly if inhaled in high concentrations. In low concentrations over a long period of time carbon monoxide exposure can produce symptoms that are easily confused with flu or food poisoning, and include headaches, nausea and dizziness, this results in CO poisoning being often undiagnosed.
Visit the APPCOG website at www.policyconnect.org.uk/appgsg for further information.
