According to NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) there are approximately 4000 attendances at accident and emergency departments for treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning each year in England, with as many as 40 fatalities and 250 serious cases requiring hospital admissions.

It is therefore vitally important to fit one or more carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems, gas appliances, fireplaces, or generators. Without a CO alarm, it is virtually impossible to detect its presence. Here are a few reasons why it is important:

1. Safety: Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer" because it can be fatal when inhaled in high concentrations. A CO alarm serves as an early warning system, alerting you to the presence of this dangerous gas before it reaches lethal levels.

2. Health Protection: Even at lower levels, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. Long-term exposure to low levels of CO can have detrimental health effects. Having an alarm can help identify any CO leaks and prevent health complications.

3. Peace of Mind: Installing a CO alarm provides peace of mind for you and your family, ensuring that you are alerted to any potential carbon monoxide hazards. It adds an extra layer of protection, allowing you to take prompt action and seek assistance if needed.

Remember, a CO alarm should be installed on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and in proximity to potential sources of carbon monoxide. Regularly check and maintain the alarms according to manufacturer instructions to ensure their effectiveness in detecting this harmful gas.

Carbon monoxide alarms and inexpensive and very easy to install - and can be readily bought from shops such as Argos, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon, e.g: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=carbon+monoxide+detector