2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales gas safety warning over carbon monoxide alarms
In North Wales, just five per cent of households checked their alarms last year, according to new data from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform.
CORA is supported by Gas Distribution Networks, including Wales & West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, and SGN.
The data, collected from more than 50,000 digital (IoT) alarms, suggests that thousands of homes could be at daily risk from carbon monoxide.
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 often associated with winter, but it remains a year-round threat.
Gas appliances like cookers and boilers still pose a risk during warmer months, while barbecues, pizza ovens, camping stoves, heaters, and lanterns can all emit carbon monoxide if used in enclosed spaces.
The gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it nearly impossible to detect without a working alarm.
Symptoms of exposure—such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness—are easily mistaken for other illnesses.
More serious cases can result in collapse or loss of consciousness.
With school holidays underway, families are being urged to check alarms at home and when travelling.
Ms Shorney said: "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 offers free carbon monoxide alarms to eligible households through its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funded programmes.
These projects aim to protect vulnerable residents and raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers.
More information and safety advice are available at
