The CO Research Trust has today responded to the Welsh Government's "Carbon Monoxide Alarms" consultation.
The consultation is seeking views on proposed amendments to the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations.
The CO Research Trust strongly supports the Welsh Government’s proposal to amend the statutory guidance to require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of a flued fixed combustion appliance of any fuel type.
The inhalation of CO is damaging to health, with the effect on cardiovascular, neurological and mitochondrial function being well-documented.
Furthermore, pregnant women, children and the unborn are especially vulnerable to its effects.
Requiring CO alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of a flued fixed combustion appliance of any fuel type would be a low-cost, proportional, and timely response to this issue.
The Trust also supports the inclusion in this amendment, where a flue passes through spaces such as a bedroom.
However, the Trust does not agree that 'connected spaces' should be excluded.
The extremely high concentrations of CO produced by a car engine can raise CO levels so quickly that a person may not realise there is a problem. Recent tragic cases demonstrate this.
Chief Executive, Adrian McConnell said.
"Recent research has shown that the threshold at which CO exposure has a detrimental effect on health is lower than previously thought. The Trust strongly believes in the introduction of CO alarms alongside flued fixed combustion appliances of any fuel type, as well as in enclosed spaces. This is a necessary and important public health intervention."
The Trust's full response can be downloaded below.
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About the CO Research Trust
The CO Research Trust is a registered charity which was established in 2005. The vision of the charity is a world where people are not exposed to carbon monoxide (CO).
For more information please contact;
Natalie Fleck
CO Research Trust
Follow us: @COResearchTrust