- 95% of households did not test their carbon monoxide alarm last year
- SGN urges residents to understand the dangers of CO during the summer months
- Free CO alarms are available for vulnerable households through funded programmes
Households across the UK are being urged to stay safe from carbon monoxide (CO) this summer after new data revealed that the majority of CO alarms in homes were not tested last year.
According to insight from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform, which is supported by Gas Distribution Networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales and West Utilities, 95% of CO 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 CO poisoning every day.
While CO is often thought to have more associations to winter, there are several reasons why CO can be a threat during the summer. Barbecues, for example, can give off CO in an enclosed space, even after it’s gone out. Therefore, they should always be used in well-ventilated areas, and not inside a home, tent or enclosed area.
Similarly, pizza ovens, camping stoves, camping heaters and lanterns can emit CO and cause similar dangers to individuals if used in an enclosed space. Anyone who is planning to go on a camping trip is urged to take a CO alarm with them to ensure everyone’s safety.
Failing to test a CO alarm is particularly dangerous, as the gas cannot be seen, smelt, heard and doesn’t have a taste, meaning it is very difficult to know if CO is present in the home. Some symptoms of CO poisoning – including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness – can be mistaken for other illnesses, like food poisoning, a cold or a hangover. Other symptoms include collapsing and a loss of consciousness.
With school holidays in full flow, SGN is urging households to test their CO alarms following the release of the data.
Dan Edwards, SGN Social Impact Programme Lead, said: It’s deeply worrying that so many people aren’t testing their carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason — it’s invisible, it’s odourless, and it can be deadly. Having an alarm is essential, but it’s just as important to test it regularly to make sure it works.
"CO is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason — it’s invisible, it’s odourless, and it can be deadly. Having an alarm is essential, but it’s just as important to test it regularly to make sure it works"
Dan Edwards
Social Impact Programme Lead
"We want to remind everyone that carbon monoxide risk doesn’t go away in summer. Whether you’re enjoying a BBQ, camping, or staying in a holiday rental that might not have an alarm, CO can still be a danger. Always take a CO alarm with you when you’re travelling and test it once a month — it only takes a few seconds and could save your life.
"While testing your alarm to check if the batteries need changed, it’s also a good idea to make a note of it’s expiry date, so you can replace it before its end of use.
"Through our VCMA-funded projects, we’re working with partners to get CO alarms to households that need them most. If you're eligible, you could receive one for free — because everyone deserves to be safe at home and away."
To find out more, please visit: https://www.sgn.co.uk/help-and-advice/keeping-gas-safe/carbon-monoxide