Carbon Monoxide: Safety, Testing and Awareness

Opened the debate

Stephanie Peacock called for the debate to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during lockdown when people are indoors more and windows closed. She cited Molly Maher's work after her son Gary died from CO poisoning in a holiday apartment. She noted that an estimated 4,000 people suffer low-level CO poisoning yearly, with 200 hospital admissions for serious injuries and around 50 fatalities. Testing for CO is unreliable and difficult due to how the body processes it. She highlighted Paul Overton's case where his stepdaughter Katie died in a rented property from CO poisoning; her landlord was convicted but no changes were made to law. Peacock called for mandatory carbon monoxide detectors in private rented properties and all residences, regardless of tenancy length or type. She also asked the Government to consider automatically testing unexplained deaths for CO poisoning.

Government Response

Minister Paul Scully congratulated Stephanie Peacock on raising awareness and acknowledged that even one death from carbon monoxide poisoning is too many. He highlighted the cross-Whitehall group under Health and Safety Executive chairmanship, which addresses CO issues. He mentioned robust legislation for gas appliance safety, enforcement powers given to relevant authorities in 2018, and building regulations requiring CO alarms with solid fuel appliances in private rentals. The Government consulted on proposals to extend these requirements to oil and gas heating installations and social housing. Scully re-emphasised the importance of regular servicing by qualified engineers and fitting carbon monoxide alarms as additional precautions. He noted the challenges distinguishing symptoms from those of flu-like illnesses, including CO poisoning during the pandemic. He also highlighted initiatives such as Gas Safety Week and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week to raise public awareness year-round.