MORE people may be affected by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning than official figures suggest, say organisers of a confer-ence in the region next month.

The Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) is to highlight the life-threatening dangers of the gas at a conference in Darlington on Thursday, October 26.

Official figures put the number of deaths from CO poisoning at about 50 people a year.

But CoGDEM official Dave Curtis said: "We actually think it is a great deal more than that, and so do some in the medical profession.

"There's also the problem of people who have long-term exposure, which is difficult to put a figure on because some people don't realise they've got it.

"You can have days when you feel unwell, with flu-like symptoms, then go out in the fresh air and a few hours later you start feeling better - it's very difficult to track down."

Mr Curtis has backed The Northern Echo's Silent Killer campaign, which is calling for CO detectors to be fitted by law in all rented accommodation and new homes.

The conference, at the Hall Garth Country House Hotel, will provide key information about CO, exactly how it injures and kills, what the law requires and what solutions are available.

Spaces on the conference are limited and cost £80 per delegate plus VAT. Further information is available from CoGDEM on (01462) 434322 or through the website on www.cogdem.org.uk