Housing Minister Dominic Raab has announced that the Government will be reviewing the current legislation on carbon monoxide alarms in homes to ensure it remains up to scratch.
Around 8 million carbon monoxide alarms are currently installed in homes across England. This is due to a requirement for homes that use appliances such as wood burning stoves and boilers.
One of the issues to be considered is whether there should be a legal requirement to install carbon monoxide alarms for all types of heating including gas and oil.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is created when certain fuels such as gas, oil, coal, and wood do not burn fully. When breathed in, carbon monoxide begins to restrict the amount of oxygen that can circulate around your body.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless and odourless gas, which means that without an alarm, your first indication that it is present is likely to be symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
If exposed to the gas for too long, it can result in death. In fact, around 25 people in England and Wales die every year from exposure to carbon monoxide.
New Regulations To Follow Discussions
The announcement that carbon monoxide regulations will be reviewed comes after ongoing discussions between ministers at the Ministry of Housing.
Housing Minister Dominic Raab said:
Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer and my top priority is to ensure people remain safe and protected in their own homes. Working with Eddie Hughes, who has a long track record of campaigning on this issue, this review will look into the adequacy of the current laws and ensure they are providing residents with the necessary protection.
Eddie Hughes MP said:
I’m pleased the Housing Minster has responded positively to my campaign and the work done by all those involved in raising awareness of this silent killer. I look forward to the outcome of the review and will continue to campaign for improved safety to protect others from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Should new regulations come into force, it will mean landlords have another regulation to meet following the recent introduction of new EPC legislation.
