A 59-YEAR-OLD woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning because her solid fuel boiler had become blocked, an inquest heard.

Laureen Tulip, of Meden Vale near Edwinstowe, was found with a 62% level of saturation of carbon monoxide in her blood after her death on January 23.

Normally, people have 1% or 2% level of blood saturation, or up to 10% if they are a smoker.

An inquest at Nottingham Coroner's Court today heard Mrs Tulip had been slowly poisoned by gas leaking from her Rayburn 80 solid fuel boiler.

Its flue had become blocked and its broken glass window has been replaced by tin foil.

Notts Coroner Dr Nigel Chapman, recording a verdict of accidental death, said it was vital people in Notts were aware of the possible dangers from solid fuel boilers.

Dr Chapman said: "We have lost a lady who is 59, which is a very young age.

"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It creeps up on you. You can't smell it and you can't taste it.

"We are all aware of the dangers of gas but this is to raise the issue of the dangers of solid fuel.

"She has died because every time she turns the heater on carbon monoxide is coming into the room."

Station manager Craig Dooley, from Notts Fire and Rescue, said after the hearing that many homes in Notts' former mining towns had similar heaters.

He said: "By learning to recognise the early warning signs you can greatly minimise the risk of falling victim to carbon monoxide poisoning – and might even save a life."

He said residents should consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in their homes.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those of viral cold and flu infections or food poisoning.

They include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, a sore throat and dry cough.