Eight out of ten homes don't have CO alarm

MORE than eight in ten homes do not have an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, putting their inhabitants at risk of death or injury, according to a study.

Research has shown 81 per cent do not have an audible alarm to alert them to a leak of the highly poisonous gas which can be emitted by faulty and poorly maintained boilers and cookers.

At least 30 people a year die in the UK as a result of poisoning by the colourless, odourless gas, with many more injured.

The survey showed that of those who do not have an alarm, 13 per cent believe poisoning is rare.