The government has legislated that all private landlords must have Carbon Monoxide alarms installed into their privately rented properties.

A company that had its own campaign, Make CO Alarms Law, received thousands of people's support and was delighted with the announcement.

 

Customer marketing manager Gail van Dijk said: “We’re pleased the government has acted to make it compulsory for private landlords to install alarms in rental property, which will help save lives.

“We would like to see them go further and make it mandatory for alarms to be installed when all carbon-burning appliances are changed, which is already the case in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, we welcome this move as a first step in preventing deaths.”

The Health and Safety Executive states that at least 40 people die every year from the effects of CO poisoning. They also say that over 4,000 people are treated at A&E with the associated symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be responsible for strokes and brain damage.  

Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical officer, believes that the figures are only the tip of the iceberg, as many cases remain unreported.