Most households in South Wales are not testing their ‘silent killer’ alarm

Most households in South East Wales are not testing their carbon monoxide alarms, putting lives at risk.

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

This data was gathered from more than 50,000 digital alarms and suggests that many households could be unknowingly exposed to danger.

Carbon monoxide, known as the ‘silent killer’, cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, making it especially hazardous.

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.

“A simple action of pressing a button for a couple of seconds could save your life.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness are easily mistaken for less serious conditions.

While carbon monoxide is often associated with winter, gas cookers, boilers, and portable appliances like barbecues and camping stoves pose a risk year-round.

With school holidays underway, families are being urged to test their alarms at home and while travelling.

Wales & West Utilities offers free CO alarms to eligible households through its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) programmes, which are funded by Ofgem.