Advice to campers and caravaners to help them enjoy a happy and safe holiday is being offered as part of a public awareness campaign.
Durham County Council is running the campaign during the summer holiday season.
It is aimed at raising awareness about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can result from using portable cooking equipment and disposable barbecues inside tents, awnings and caravans.
There are more than 100 camping and caravan sites in County Durham and the council’s safety and occupational health team is responsible for licensing and inspecting them.
The council is working with campsite owners and operators in County Durham to help make residents and visitors aware of the potential dangers.
Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “With the recent poor weather campers may be considering moving their cooking equipment or barbecue inside their caravan or tent but this can lead to a potentially deadly build up of poisonous gas.
“Carbon monoxide is colourless, has no odour and can build up very quickly to levels that can make someone unwell or even be fatal.
“We are reminding people that they should make sure their portable gas stoves are clean and in good working order and they should not be used inside a caravan, tent or awning.”
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. It can be deadly in high enough concentrations.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes is urged to seek medical advice immediately.
