A CONFERENCE to highlight the life-threatening dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) will be held in the region next month.

The event, organised by the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM), will take place at Hall Garth Country House Hotel, Darlington, on Thursday, October 26.

The conference is aimed at educating housing association, local authority and medical professionals, as well as private landlords and tenants.

The Northern Echo has been highlighting the dangers of the gas through our Silent Killer campaign.

Carbon monoxide is dubbed the silent killer because it can lead to death before it is seen or smelled. It has claimed many lives in the region.

The Echo's campaign, spearheaded by Houghton and Washington East MP Fraser Kemp and supported by British Gas, calls for detectors to be fitted by law in all rented accommodation and new homes. It also seeks to have stricter legislation enforced over the fitting of gas heating appliances.

CO is the most common household poison, produced by incomplete or inefficient combustion of fuel such as gas, coal, wood or oil in heating and hot water appliances.

CoGDEM chairman Jonathan Kane said: "Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas that can be produced by a variety of faulty domestic heating appliances from living room fires to wall heaters and boilers.

"It is estimated that there are about 200 deaths a year in this country from poisoning, and it is a sad fact that the number of deaths increase at this time of year when heating systems are used again after a long summer break."

The conference will provide key information about CO, explain exactly how it injures and kills, how many people are affected by it, what the law requires, and what solutions are available.

Mr Kane said: "Everyone who attends the conference will leave with a greater understanding of the dangers of CO, its effect on the general public, and their responsibilities and requirements, as well as a clear understanding of cost-effective solutions."

Places at the conference are available on a first-come, first-served basis at £80 per delegate plus VAT.

Further information is available from CoGDEM on (01642) 434322 or through the web site www.cogdem.org.u