The use of an extractor fan during cooking can make a significant impact on the reduction of risk of CO poisoning, according to new research from University College London.
Presented at the IGEM Research into Action conference, the report – Factors Contributing to Low-Level Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure in the English Housing Stock – was sponsored by the Gas Safety Trust using modelling software to input the English Housing Survey and Energy Performance Certificates to better understand the risk of CO poisoning.
Consequently, the Gas Safety Trust is calling on householders and tenants to make sure they use their extractor fans when cooking, or open a window if they do not have a fan.
Chris Bielby, Chairman of the GST, comments: “The best way to prevent exposure to CO poisoning is to make sure your appliances are serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and to have an audible CO alarm tested to the standard EN 50291 in your home.
“However, what this research shows is that you can further reduce the risk of CO poisoning by using an extractor fan, or at least opening a window, whilst cooking. This simple measure could have a real impact on reducing the risk of CO poisoning.”
Dr Clive Shrubsole, Senior Research Associate at University College London, says: “For properties with gas as the source of fuel for cooking, it is essential that people ventilate either by opening a window or switching on an extractor fan that vents outdoors. Without this, the risk from CO increases.”
There are 22.8 million homes in the UK and currently it is thought that only 28% have a CO alarm. The research found that flats were particularly at risk of CO poisoning, and that retrofitted energy efficiency measures increased the risk of CO poisoning.
