GST Funds CO Poisoning R&D

A study at The University of Newcastle is looking into possible new ways to detect carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, through development of techniques that demonstrate the specific effects of CO on cells and tissues. Funded by the Gas Safety Trust (GST), the research will focus on how changes in the cells (biomarkers) can occur. These biomarkers will be required to show both the level of CO exposure and the toxic effects of CO, while also being robust and long lasting for practical use by medical professionals.

Department of Health (DH) statistics indicate that every year in England and Wales, approximately 30 people die from CO poisoning, that 200 people are admitted to hospital, and around 4,000 people attend A&E, are treated and sent home. With symptoms similar to those presented with common colds and flu, it is also possible that some conditions such as low-level CO poisoning could also be mis-diagnosed or overlooked..

Chris Bielby, GST Chair said: “Getting to the true number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide is a key concern of the Gas Safety Trust and we are pleased to fund this research by Newcastle University. Research such as this can make it easier for health professionals to spot cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and help inform government and industry about the scale of the issue.”

Dr Christopher Morris, Senior Lecturer, Medical Toxicology Centre and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protections Research Unit in Chemical Radiation Threats and Hazards at Newcastle University said: “This work will provide us with the preliminary information on possible blood protein biomarkers which might indicate carbon monoxide poisoning and the stability of these protein markers when it is no longer present. The use of blood derived biomarkers would provide a basis for future clinical investigations into carbon monoxide poisoning.”