People in Devon at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as data shows they aren’t testing alarms

Households across Devon are being urged to stay safe from carbon monoxide (CO) this summer, following new data that reveals the majority of carbon monoxide alarms in homes were not tested last year.

According to insights from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform, which is supported by Gas Distribution Networks Wales & West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, and SGN, 95 per cent of carbon monoxide alarms were not tested at all in 2024.  Analysed from over 50,000 digital (Internet of Things IoT) alarms, the results show that thousands of households are putting themselves at risk of carbon monoxide every day.

While carbon monoxide is often thought to have more associations during winter, it is a threat during the summer, as major household appliances, such as gas cookers and boilers, are still in use.

Similarly, barbecues, pizza ovens, camping stoves, camping heaters, and gas lanterns can emit carbon monoxide and cause similar dangers to individuals if used in an enclosed space.

Failing to test a carbon monoxide alarm is particularly dangerous, as the gas is known as the silent killer because you cannot see, smell, or taste it. As such, it is very difficult to know if carbon monoxide is present in the home. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness – can be mistaken for other illnesses, like food poisoning, a cold, or a hangover. Severe symptoms include collapsing and a loss of consciousness.

With school holidays now in full flow, Wales & West Utilities is now urging households to test their carbon monoxide alarms following the release of the data.

Sophie Shorney, Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:

“It is concerning to hear that most households are not testing their carbon monoxide alarms. We cannot stress enough the dangers households could be putting themselves into if they either do not own a carbon monoxide alarm, or are not testing to see if their alarm works.

“Carbon monoxide is a risk even in the summer, as households will still use their gas appliances to cook and power their home.

"If you’re travelling this summer, take your carbon monoxide alarm with you and don’t forget to test it regularly.

“A simple action of pressing a button for a couple of seconds could save your life.”

Wales & West Utilities supplies free CO alarms for eligible households across many of its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funded programmes. The VCMA is funded by Ofgem and is designed to support households living in vulnerable situations and to increase the awareness of carbon monoxide (CO), through projects that go above and beyond Wales & West Utilities’ business-as-usual activities.

To find out more, please visit https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/safe-warm/carbon-monoxide/