Huge number 'at risk' of carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Wales
Carbon monoxide can be released when there are errors with a cooker or boiler Credit: Lewis Stickley / PA Archive

Up to half of people living in Wales are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to new research. It shows that many people here mistakenly think their smoke alarm will detect carbon monoxide. The Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign is publishing the results of its research on Wednesday, as new legislation comes into force making carbon monoxide alarms compulsory in new homes in Northern Ireland.

The campaign is being run by the trade association Energy UK on behalf of the UK's six big gas and electricity companies. 3,458 people were surveyed around the UK last month. Among the 204 people questioned in Wales:

  • 85% said they knew carbon monoxide can kill

  • 50% said they have a carbon monoxide alarm

  • 47% of those without a carbon monoxide alarm said this was because they had a smoke alarm

Anne Mitchell's daughter Alex died from carbon monoxide poisoning when she was 14.

Christine McGourty, from the Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign, says they are trying to make sure confusion over the difference between carbon monoxide and fire alarms is eliminated.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the 'silent killer', as it has no colour, taste or smell. The Department of Health estimates that it kills 50 people in the UK each year. It is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn completely. This is most commonly caused by an appliance, such as a boiler or cooker, being installed incorrectly or not properly maintained. It can also build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Other research published in May by Liverpool John Moores University - based on checks of 22,182 properties by firefighters on Merseyside - found that less than 10 per cent had carbon monoxide alarms.

Esyllt Carr reports.