Study highlights homes in UK without carbon monoxide alarm

More than eight in 10 households do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm, putting their inhabitants at risk of death or serious injury, according to a study released yesterday.

Research into 1,915 adults has shown 81 per cent do not have an audible alarm to alert them to a leak of the highly poisonous gas which can be emitted by faulty and poorly maintained boilers, cookers and other fuel burning appliances.

The findings of the study are being used as part of the Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign headed by TV property guru Kirstie Allsopp.

At least 30 people a year die in the UK as a result of poisoning by the colourless, odourless gas, with many more suffering serious injuries.

The survey showed that of those who do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm, 13 per cent believe CO poisoning is rare and do not consider the gas to be a significant risk to their health.

Of those questioned, 18 per cent did not know that CO has no smell; nine per cent did not know it was invisible to the naked eye and eight per cent did not know that it was harmful.

More than one in 10 - 11 per cent - did not know an alarm was available to detect the gas.

Campaigners have warned that so-called colour change indicators installed in some homes would fail to wake a sleeping household.

An alarm could also help people act in time before the gas caused serious injury and disability, a spokesperson said.

She warned that even where up-to-date appliances had been installed and were checked regularly, CO could leak in from the outside - for example, from a faulty boiler in a neighbouring home.

Mr Allsopp, star of TV's Location, Location, Location, said: "Most people wouldn't dream of not having a smoke alarm, but I'm shocked at how few people realise the risks of carbon monoxide.

"I want to see an audible alarm installed in every household - it's the only way to be sure of detecting this silent killer while protecting you and your family."

The campaign was backed by Melissa Matthews, 23, from Harlow, Essex, whose 33-year-old brother Tony died 10 years ago as a result of CO poisoning caused by a faulty gas cooker. She said: "It's not like an illness where there may or may not be a cure. It's so easy to stop carbon monoxide poisoning and the way to do that is by having an audible detector alarm fitted in your house.

"I'm really hoping that people take this on board and go out to pick up an alarm today."

Christine McGourty, Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign spokesperson, said: "We regularly hear about members of the general public whose lives have been saved by a carbon monoxide alarm - it's the only way to detect this killer.

"You can buy an alarm from around £15 at DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers.

"A number of retailers will also be offering special discounts in support of our campaign this January."