Residents are facing an urgent call to action as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases have alarmingly risen in recent years. Data from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reveals that instances of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning have doubled since 2020, with 2023 marking a distressing peak of 7,703 call-outs compared to just 3,876 in 2020.
Mike Porter, the manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, emphasizes the critical importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors in every home, as the gas is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless threat. He highlights the tragic reality that approximately 50 individuals die each year in the UK due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for awareness and action to prevent such losses.
The dangers of carbon monoxide were tragically underscored by a recent incident in August, where a man in his 50s lost his life and six others were injured due to a suspected gas leak in Cornwall. This incident illustrates the everyday risks that can be mitigated through proper safety measures.
Porter points out that common sources of carbon monoxide in residential settings include gas and oil boilers, gas hobs, fires, log burners, and open fires. Furthermore, he suggests that the ongoing cost of living crisis may have inadvertently contributed to the surge in poisoning cases. Homeowners may be neglecting to have their appliances regularly serviced or their chimneys swept, thereby increasing the risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
To ensure safety, Porter advises consumers to purchase carbon monoxide detectors only from reputable sources and to conduct regular tests of these devices to ensure they are functioning correctly. Protecting families from this silent killer is crucial, and the message is clear: be proactive and safeguard your home against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay informed and connected with community safety updates by following BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and remember to contribute your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
