Millions still at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning

New research reveals that at least 35 million people are still at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. In many cases, this is likely to be because people mistakenly think that their smoke alarm will detect carbon monoxide.

In a survey for the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign, 81 per cent of people knew that carbon monoxide can kill. Despite this, only 39 per cent said that they have a carbon monoxide alarm. Of those without a carbon monoxide alarm, 42 per cent said this was because they have a smoke alarm, indicating a high level of confusion between the two types of alarms.

There is also evidence of further confusion: while 39 per cent of people in Great Britain believe they have a carbon monoxide alarm, research suggests that the real figure is much lower. Speaking on behalf of the campaign, TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp explained:

“The message that carbon monoxide is dangerous seems to be getting through but it is horrifying to think that there still are millions of people who are not protecting themselves or think they are protected when they’re not.

“Safety checks carried out by the fire service in over 22,000 homes across Merseyside found that fewer than one in ten homes had a carbon monoxide alarm. The sales figures for alarms also suggest that the true figure is much lower than 39 per cent.

“Carbon monoxide can kill you without any warning. Please make sure you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. Even if you think you’ve got one, check that it is for carbon monoxide and that it works.”

Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell, meaning installing an audible alarm, that sounds when carbon monoxide is present, is the only way to ensure a household is protected. Carbon Monoxide alarms are a similar size to smoke alarms, and only take a few minutes to fit.

The Department of Health estimates that 50 people are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, and at least 4,000 are treated in hospital, in the UK each year. However, the figure is likely to be much higher than this, as carbon monoxide poisoning is very difficult to diagnose as symptoms are often similar to common illnesses like flu and food poisoning.

Stacey Rodgers lost her 10-year-old son Dominic to carbon monoxide when the gas seeped through the wall from her neighbour’s house and killed him while he slept. She said:

“I wish every day that I could turn back the clock. If I had known about carbon monoxide and had an alarm, Dominic would still be with me. Installing an alarm is easy and quick to do so don’t put it off, it is not a risk worth taking.”

As carbon monoxide can seep through walls, people need an alarm even if they have regularly serviced appliances, and even if they have no fuel burning appliances as neighbouring homes may have.

Carbon monoxide alarms are available from many DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers. They can cost as little as £15.