Norwich and Brighton lead UK cities in carbon monoxide awareness
According to Firechief Global’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Report, Norwich and Brighton have been identified as the cities with the highest levels of carbon monoxide awareness in the UK, both achieving a score of 8.5 out of 10.
In Norwich, 64% of residents were aware of the gas’s traits, such as its poisonous and colourless nature, while 68% recognised the symptoms of exposure, including dizziness.
Similarly, Brighton had the highest awareness of carbon monoxide traits at 68%, with 66% recognising symptoms and 62% understanding the sources of the gas.
Additionally, 78% of Brighton residents reported having a carbon monoxide alarm, ranking third nationwide for detector installation.
London and Birmingham rank among lowest for awareness
The report highlighted that London ranks as the city with the lowest carbon monoxide awareness in the UK, with only 57% of residents aware of its traits and 61% knowing the correct actions to take in case of a leak.
Furthermore, only 68% of Londoners reported having a carbon monoxide alarm installed, the second-lowest percentage across the nation.
Birmingham followed closely, ranking second-lowest.
The report revealed that 58% of Birmingham residents recognised carbon monoxide traits, while 59% were aware of symptoms.
Although 71% reported having an alarm installed, only 60% knew the proper steps to follow if their detector sounded.
Widespread knowledge gaps on carbon monoxide traits and safety measures
The survey revealed that 73% of Brits are unaware that carbon monoxide is flammable.
While most respondents (79%) recognised that the gas is poisonous, 33% were unaware that it is colourless, and 31% did not know it is odourless.
In terms of safety measures, only 57% of participants knew to turn off appliances when an alarm sounds.
While 73% would open windows and 70% would evacuate, just 54% indicated they would contact emergency services—an essential step in responding to a potential leak.
Alarm installation rates and age group disparities
The report found that 72% of UK households have a carbon monoxide alarm installed, leaving 28% without one or unsure if one is present.
Younger adults aged 16-24 were the least likely to have a detector, with 31% stating they did not have one or were unsure.
This figure slightly decreased for those aged 25-34 at 30%, and further declined to 25% among older age groups.
Ian Poole, Sales and Marketing Director at Firechief Global, commented: “Our survey highlights the crucial nature of providing the education needed for people to comfortably act in preventing the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
All homes with fuel-burning appliances must have carbon monoxide alarms fitted…
otherwise you may face fines up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance.”
Firechief Global report reveals UK’s carbon monoxide awareness gaps: Summary
Firechief Global’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Report found that two in five Brits are unaware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
Norwich and Brighton scored the highest for awareness, while London ranked the lowest.
Gaps in understanding traits, such as its flammability, were evident, with 73% unaware of this characteristic.
Despite 72% of UK households having carbon monoxide detectors, younger demographics were the least likely to have alarms installed.
Firechief Global stressed the importance of education and compliance to mitigate risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.