A new study shows that some UK motorists are exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inside their vehicles: findings suggest that exhaust leaks may be to blame.
The pilot study carried out by AirSafe London and funded by the Carbon Monoxide Research Trust (CORT) has revealed some cars on UK roads may expose drivers to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide (CO). The research, published in Environment International, suggests that exhaust leaks could be to blame, shining a spotlight on a hidden risk for motorists.
Dr. Sophie Duggan, the lead researcher on the study tested 33 cars driven by 28 members of the public. The findings showed that 61% of vehicles had detectable levels of CO, with some at levels dangerous to health.
Dr Duggan commented “CO is known to damage health at lower levels than those that trigger acute illness, which is why the WHO in 2021 revised its safety threshold downwards. At low levels, it can also affect reaction time. The findings of this study show that cars can expose their occupants to harm in both respects. There is a pressing need to test in-car air quality across the UK, to protect public health.”
Key Findings from the Study:
· The average in-car CO level was 6.63ppm (the WHO recommends staying under 3.49ppm).
· Seven cars recorded peaks of more than 50ppm CO.
· The highest recorded average CO level was 192.17ppm.
· Older cars were more likely to have higher in-cabin CO levels.
Next Steps
CORT is now calling on stakeholders, including policymakers, automotive experts, and public health organisations, to review in-vehicle air quality testing.
The Trust is committed to ensuring that all drivers, passengers, and professionals who rely on vehicles are informed about the risks.
“Our mission is simple,” CORT CEO Adrian McConnell explains. “We want every person who travels in a vehicle to be safe, and that starts with raising awareness about the potential issue of in-car carbon monoxide.”
For more details about the study and what you can do to protect yourself, visit www.airsafe.london Or https://www.coresearchtrust.org/our-research/airsafe-london
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