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.

 

(doc:547 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.

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.

60

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

4000

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.

Source: Department for Health and Social Care

200

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.

Source: Department for Health and Social Care

10%

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

Share Your CO Story

We share real life stories of our customers to help raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Hearing about a near miss can sometimes prompt you to think about your own situation and may highlight a risk within your own home.

If you share your CO story with us, and it is posted on our website, we will give you a free carbon monoxide alarm. Help us spread the word and save lives.

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