With the prospect of sun, fun and relaxation on the horizon, its all too easy to let your guard down and overlook any possible dangers that could be lurking warns Ei Electronics, the UK''s leading manufacturers of Carbon Monoxide alarms.

UK law insists that all rented accommodation, including holiday lets and hotels, which have gas appliances are checked annually by a corgi registered installer. In many other coutries such laws do not exist.

For Uk residents escaping the rain by holidaying abroad this year, always ensure that your travel company is a member of the association of British Travel Agents, who should be doing local inspections.

Landlords who own holiday accommodation and hotel establishments in the UK must have appliances checked every year.

Just because there isn''t a gas appliance in your accommodation, you should still look for signs as carbon monoxide can seep through from other rooms.

Killing over 50 people a year and injuring a further 300, Carbon Monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas and when inhaled, reduces the bloods ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body''s organs and cells starved of oxygen.

Often mimicking the symptoms of a viral cold or flu infection, such as headaches, nausea and abdominal pains and dizziness, its easy to see how Carbon Monoxide poisoning could go unnoticed - cold like symptoms might simply be put down to travelling in a plane or staying in a damp country?

Killing over 50 people a year and injuring a further 300, carbon Monoxide poisoning can be deadly. If you''re unwell but feel better when outdoors, speak to hotel or tour operator and seek medical advice: Don''t misuse any gas appliance

• So don''t dry clothes on boiler

• Don''t block ventilation

• Purchase an alarm - audible.

• If there isn''t buy your own.

Make sure it meets British Standards, is battery operated and has an audible alarm. Place it near the appliance or in the bedroom.

Always look for signs on the appliance such as black marks or stains, lazy orange instead of crisp blue pilot light flames and excessive condensation in the room.