Gas Safe Register has encouraged the nation to check if their cold symptoms are a sign of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure this winter.
New research conducted by 3Gem Research & Insights, on behalf of the Gas Safe Register, has revealed that 27% of Brits recognise symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue as potential signs of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
It also uncovered that 54% of Brits incorrectly identified nasal congestion and fever as potential signs of CO poisoning, two of the symptoms that are unlikely to occur when exposed to the deadly gas.
Gas Safe Register has partnered with Dr Punam Krishan to raise awareness of the differences between symptoms of CO poisoning and colds.
The research found that people across the country consume a combined 5.4bn medicinal tablets every winter to help treat cold and flu symptoms. It revealed that 54% admitted their medication sometimes failed to provide relief, which could suggest exposure to CO.
A total of 76% of respondents said they try to self-manage cold and flu symptoms before seeking medical advice, while 63% would stay warm indoors with the central heating on and windows closed. The Gas Safe Register said this is contrary to potentially lifesaving health and safety advice to seek fresh air if experiencing a CO leak.
Recent data from CORA has found that UK household exposures are estimated to be seven times higher than the figures currently reported, partially because CO cannot be seen, tasted or smelt which makes it notoriously hard to detect. Symptoms of CO poisoning can often be mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses like a cold or flu, it noted, yet 33% of respondents assumed they would feel severely unwell if they were exposed to a carbon monoxide leak.
Dr Punam Krishan said: “Each year, 4,000 people across the UK attend A&E due to carbon monoxide poisoning, yet awareness of ‘the silent killer’ remains far too low. As a doctor, I’ve seen patients suffering from CO poisoning who were completely unaware of the symptoms until they came into contact with health services, which could have been avoided by following preventative guidance.
“The overlap between symptoms of a CO leak and a common cold – such as headaches, fatigue and dizziness – makes it easy to mistake one for the other, especially during this peak time for seasonal illnesses. However, it’s important to remember that while some symptoms may overlap, nasal congestion and fever are not typically associated with CO poisoning, which can help distinguish the two.”
The research found that the lack of knowledge about symptoms of CO poisoning was particularly prevalent in younger generations. A total of 94% of 18 to 24-year-olds did not associate the overlapping cold and flu symptoms with CO poisoning, with knowledge increasing slightly to 89% for 25 to 34-year-olds.
The Gas Safe Register said that ensuring gas appliances are safety checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer is one of the most important steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of a potential CO leak. A total of 28% of 18 to 24-year-olds have not had their gas appliances safety checked in the past year, making them the least likely age group to have carried out this essential maintenance.