Resources
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is becoming increasingly publicised. Have a look at what others have to say about the silent killer and become aware of the dangers to avoid becoming a victim.
Project Shout
Open as many doors and windows as possible to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the concentration of CO.
Fire Service
Information and advice about Carbon Monoxide poisoning, its symptoms and how it can be prevented.
CO BE Alarmed
A national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by Carbon Monoxide.
NHS Choices
Information and advice about Carbon Monoxide poisoning, symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment.
Gas Safe Register
The official list of gas engineers who are registered to work safely and legally on gas appliances.
Gas Safety Trust
The Gas Safety Trust (formerly The CORGI Trust) has become the UK's leading gas safety charity.
Headway
Headway, the charity that works to improve life after brain injury, provides useful information.
Reminders Service
A free reminder service to help you remember to test your CO detectors regularly.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Many people are unaware of the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide has no colour, smell or taste and cannot be detected by the human senses. It is extremely dangerous, binding itself to the haemoglobin in red blood cells and preventing them from transporting oxygen around the body.
Estimated Number of Deaths Every Year
According to statistics released by the Office for National Statistics, throughout England and Wales there are an average of over 60 deaths every year due to accidental exposure to carbon monoxide - up to 45% of which occur in the home.
Source: ONS, User Requested Data, Refs 006780, 007476 & 009122
People Treated for CO Poisoning Every Year
Figures from the Department of Health and Social Care show that there are around 4000 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning treated in A&E Departments across England each year - even mild cases can exacerbate existing conditions such as respiratory illnesses, leading to fatalities.
Number of People Hospitalised Every Year
According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, around 200 per year are hospitalised in England and Wales as a result of accidental carbon monixide posioning.
Percentage of UK Households with a CO Alarm
A study of more than 27,000 properties by the Liverpool John Moores University, supported by the Merseyside and West Midlands Fire Services, found that less than 10% of homes have a single carbon monoxide alarm to protect occupants from this deadly gas.
Source: Liverpool John Moores University