50 Million Brits at Risk: The Hidden Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As Gas Safety Experts at Smart Gas Solutions Plumbing & Heating Edinburgh, we see firsthand how many homeowners across Edinburgh are dangerously unaware of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning symptoms, often mistaking them for seasonal illnesses like flu or colds.

Over 80% of UK adults could be at risk of mistaking carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms for a different illness such as a cold, flu or hangover, according to recent research from the Gas Safe Register. This alarming statistic reveals a deadly misconception that could cost lives.

New research has uncovered an important awareness gap: more than three quarters (82%) of people are unlikely to consider CO poisoning as the possible cause of a headache and nausea. Additionally, over half of Brits (54%) incorrectly identified nasal congestion and fever as potential signs of CO poisoning – two symptoms that are unlikely to occur when exposed to the deadly gas.

The confusion is particularly prevalent amongst younger generations. A staggering 94% of 18-24-year-olds did not associate the overlapping cold and flu symptoms with CO poisoning, with knowledge increasing only slightly to 89% for 25-34-year-olds.

This generational gap in awareness is particularly worrying when you consider that nearly a third (28%) of 18-24-year-olds have not had their gas appliances safety checked in the past year – making them the least likely age group to have carried out this essential maintenance.

Understanding the true symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning could save your life. Here are the genuine warning signs:

Early Symptoms:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath

Advanced Symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Convulsions

Crucial Difference: A fever is a main symptom of the flu (but not CO poisoning). A temperature higher than 37.8°C may indicate influenza, but won’t occur if you’ve breathed in too much CO.

The statistics surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK help illustrate why awareness is so important:

• Around 4000 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are treated in A&E Departments across England each year
• 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
• 86 deaths were registered under T58 in England and Wales in 2022
• Central heating boiler systems were responsible for the greatest share of deaths from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, attributed to 26 percent of recorded cases

Perhaps most importantly, a study of more than 27,000 properties found that less than 10% of homes have a single carbon monoxide alarm to protect occupants from this deadly gas.

Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it cannot be detected by human senses. 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.

The gas is produced when carbon-containing fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood don’t burn completely due to insufficient air supply. In homes, this typically occurs due to:

• Faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances
• Blocked flues or chimneys
• Inadequate ventilation
• Improper installation of heating equipment

Beyond recognising CO poisoning symptoms, homeowners should watch for these visual warning signs that indicate gas appliances may be producing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide:

• Yellow or orange flames instead of blue flames on gas cookers
• Black sooty stains around appliances
• Yellow or brown staining around gas appliances
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows

Annual Gas Safety Checks

Ensuring gas appliances are safety checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer is one of the most important steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of a potential CO leak.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring an annual gas safety check is carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

For homeowners (not just landlords), regular maintenance is equally crucial.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

An audible alarm is the only certified way to detect carbon monoxide and keep yourself and your family safe from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. When installing CO alarms:

• Install at least one on every level of your home
• Place them near bedrooms and heating appliances
• Choose alarms that comply with British Standard EN 50291
• Test monthly and replace the entire unit every 10 years
• If your CO alarm has replaceable batteries, we recommend upgrading to a sealed unit with a 10-year battery life
• Never ignore a sounding alarm

Proper Maintenance Habits

• Have heating systems serviced before winter begins
• Keep appliances well-ventilated
• Never use camping stoves or barbecues indoors
• Don’t run cars in attached garages
• Ensure chimneys and flues are clear of obstructions

If you suspect CO poisoning:

1. Get fresh air immediately – move everyone outside
2. Turn off gas appliances if safe to do so
3. Open doors and windows to ventilate the property
4. Seek medical attention immediately
5. Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999
6. Don’t return until the property has been declared safe

At Smart Gas Solutions Plumbing & Heating Edinburgh, we’re committed to keeping Edinburgh homes safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Our Gas Safe registered engineers provide:

For Homeowners:

• Annual boiler servicing and safety checks
• Carbon monoxide alarm installation and testing
• Boiler repairs and replacements
• Heating system maintenance

Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (LGSC): This is a legal requirement to ensure that all gas appliances in the property are safety checked annually. We would always recommend that the boiler is serviced at the same time as the gas safety check is completed, as they help minimise the risk of a potential CO leak. Landlords are responsible for ensuring an annual gas safety check is carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The boiler service is not a legal requirement, but we would highly recommend that it is undertaken.

We understand that with appliances running much more over the winter period to keep homes warm, it’s even more important to ensure they are running efficiently and safely.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable with proper awareness and maintenance. The key is recognising that CO poisoning symptoms DON’T include fever or nasal congestion – they mirror tiredness, headaches, and stomach problems without the typical flu symptoms.

Don’t become another statistic. If you haven’t had your gas appliances checked in the past year, or if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms that worsen at home, contact Smart Gas Solutions today.

Ready to Protect Your Edinburgh Home?

Contact Smart Gas Solutions Plumbing & Heating Edinburgh for:

• Gas Safety Inspections – Comprehensive appliance safety checks
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation – Professional fitting and testing
• Landlord Compliance – Annual safety certificates and documentation

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your family’s safety is worth more than postponing that annual gas safety check.

📍 7A Grange Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 1UH
📞 0131 629 3132
🌐 smartgassolutions.co.uk