The National Consumer Agency (NCA) has today renewed an appeal to locate more than 3,000 gas cookers that could potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
For specified makes and models of gas cooker, that have a separate oven and grill, using the grill with its door shut can cause extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to be produced, leading to injury or death.
In a statement, the NCA said a media campaign in October had seen almost 2,500 additional cookers located, but 3,000 cookers, representing 40 per cent of affected cookers sold, have yet to be located.
NCA chief executiveAnn Fitzgerald said: "Despite strenuous efforts by the agency and the cooker companies, almost 3,000 affected cookers sold since 2003 have not been located.
"There have been at least six deaths to date in the UK and Ireland linked to this issue, and we remain very concerned that so many affected cookers have not yet been located."
“Particularly with the approaching Christmas period, with many people using cookers more than normal, we are again appealing to consumers to check their cookers today. People owning or staying in holiday homes / mobile homes etc are also reminded to check their cookers.
Anyone who might have one of these cookers is advised to immediately contact the manufacturers to arrange for a modification to be made which is free of charge.
Contact details of the manufacturers can be found in the product recalls section of the NCA website www.consumerconnect.ie or call 1890 432 432.