Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer”, and our latest 2026 Carbon Monoxide Awareness Report shows that, across the UK, awareness is still not where it needs to be.
At Firechief® Global, we worked with Censuswide to survey 2,000 UK residents to better understand how well people recognise the signs, symptoms, sources and appropriate actions relating to carbon monoxide exposure.
The findings are concerning.
One in Five UK Residents Are Unsure of the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Our research found that:
- 18% of UK residents are unsure of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
- 76% are unaware that chest pain can be a symptom
- 56% do not recognise shortness of breath as a symptom
- 54% are unaware that confusion can indicate carbon monoxide exposure
While dizziness and headaches were more widely recognised, a significant proportion of people remain unable to identify multiple key symptoms.
Perhaps most worrying is the generational gap. Nearly one in four 18–24-year-olds was unable to name a single symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Widespread Confusion Around Carbon Monoxide Traits
Despite being a well-known household hazard, confusion remains around what carbon monoxide actually is.
Our survey found:
- 82% of UK residents are unaware that carbon monoxide is flammable
- 49% do not know it is colourless
- 44% are unaware it is odourless
- 40% do not realise it is poisonous
Younger respondents were significantly less likely to understand these traits compared to national averages.
Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, making awareness and detection critical.
31% of UK Residents Do Not Have a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
When it comes to prevention, the data shows clear room for improvement:
- 31% of respondents either do not have a carbon monoxide detector installed or are unsure if they do
- Among 18–24-year-olds, this rises to 41%
A carbon monoxide alarm is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against exposure, yet nearly one-third of UK households remain unprotected or uncertain.
Many UK Residents Don’t Know What to Do If an Alarm Sounds
Knowing the signs is important. Knowing how to respond is critical.
Our report found that:
- Only 45% would turn off all appliances
- Just 43% would contact emergency services
- 55% are unaware they should switch off fuel-burning appliances
- 57% would not know to call emergency services
While many respondents said they would open windows or evacuate, the lack of full response knowledge could delay appropriate action in a real emergency.
Nearly Half of UK Residents Are Unaware That Gas Stoves Emit Carbon Monoxide
Understanding the sources of carbon monoxide is another key gap.
Our survey revealed that:
- 46% were unaware that gas stoves can emit carbon monoxide
- 50% did not know that oil and gas furnaces can produce it
- 69% were unaware that wood-burning fireplaces are potential sources
- 16% incorrectly believed electric heaters produce carbon monoxide
This confusion highlights the need for clearer education around combustion appliances and ventilation.
Regional Differences: Where Does Your City Rank?
The report also ranks major UK cities on overall carbon monoxide awareness, analysing five key metrics including knowledge of symptoms, sources, alarms and correct emergency response.
Top performing cities:
- Plymouth (9.1/10)
- Nottingham (8.3/10)
- Belfast (7.0)
Lowest performing cities:
- London
- Glasgow
- Sheffield
These regional disparities show that awareness campaigns and education may need to be more targeted geographically.
Five Practical Steps to Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Ian Poole, our Sales & Marketing Director, highlights five essential steps households should take:
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel-burning appliance.
- Ensure appliances are installed by qualified professionals.
- Service heating appliances regularly.
- Maintain good ventilation in your home.
- Never use a gas hob as a heat source.
Landlords in particular should be aware of their legal obligations, as failure to install carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties can result in fines of up to £5,000 per property.
Why Awareness Still Matters
Hundreds of UK residents are hospitalised each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly during the colder months when heating systems are in greater use.
Carbon monoxide is preventable. But prevention depends on awareness.
The findings from our 2026 report show that while progress has been made, significant knowledge gaps remain, especially among younger age groups and in major metropolitan areas.
At Firechief® Global, our mission remains the same: to help make the world a safer place through education, innovation and trusted safety solutions.
If you would like to read the full Carbon Monoxide Awareness Report 2026, you can download it here.
For more information on carbon monoxide alarms and fire safety guidance, contact our team or visit our website.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and, where necessary, to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.