A rise in carbon monoxide (CO) incidents has been recorded in London, prompting a safety warning for residents.
Engineers from Cadent, the borough’s gas emergency service, attended 288 CO-related emergencies in Harrow in 2023/24. This represents a 36 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Across London, Cadent responded to 8,665 such incidents.
The figures highlight the need for greater awareness of CO dangers and the importance of annual checks for fuel-burning appliances, including central heating boilers and log burners.
The statistics have been shared during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. CO exposure can cause serious health problems and is linked to around 40 deaths in England and Wales each year.
James Harrison, North London Network Director at Cadent, said: “On the one hand, it is encouraging that people are contacting the gas emergency service if they suspect carbon monoxide. It is exactly the right thing to do, to ring 0800 111 999* immediately.
“However, we are also concerned that this is further evidence of another worrying trend. We commissioned research this year which told us that almost 30 per cent of people are only getting their boilers serviced every two years, or less often than that.
“This is a big worry – I can’t stress enough just how important it is to get your boiler serviced every year.
“You can’t smell carbon monoxide, and you can’t see, taste or hear it. An annual safety check, by a Gas Safe registered engineer, is your best way to protect you and your family.”
Cadent invested £3.6 million in 2023/24 on carbon monoxide awareness campaigns, including classroom-based programmes that reached more than 120,000 children. More than 109,000 CO alarms were distributed for free in high-risk areas through partnerships with community centres, fire services, and other organisations.
CO alarms can also be purchased online or in shops, including DIY stores and supermarkets. Property owners are urged to have their gas appliances serviced yearly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. More information is available at www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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