Most Cornish Households Not Testing Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Data Shows

Households in Cornwall are being warned of the dangers of carbon monoxide this summer, as new data reveals that the vast majority of alarms are not being tested.

Startling New Findings

According to the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform, supported by Wales & West Utilities alongside Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, and SGN, 95 per cent of carbon monoxide alarms went untested in 2024.

The figures are based on insights from more than 50,000 digital (Internet of Things IoT) alarms, showing that thousands of households could be at risk every single day.

Why Summer Can Still Be Dangerous

While carbon monoxide (CO) is often associated with winter heating, the gas remains a threat during the summer. Gas cookers and boilers continue to be used in households, while popular seasonal equipment such as barbecues, pizza ovens, camping stoves, heaters, and lanterns can also emit the toxic gas if used in enclosed spaces.

Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Symptoms of poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness, are often mistaken for common illnesses including food poisoning, a cold, or even a hangover. Severe exposure can lead to collapse or loss of consciousness.

Urgent Call to Action

With the school holidays underway, Wales & West Utilities is urging households to take immediate action.

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."

Support for Vulnerable Households

Wales & West Utilities provides free CO alarms to eligible households through its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) programmes. Funded by Ofgem, the VCMA supports households in vulnerable situations and helps raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

More information is available at Wales & West Utilities – Carbon Monoxide Safety.