Households living in cold and damp properties are far more likely to experience dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Figures from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition show that 18% of people in cold, damp homes reported high carbon monoxide levels in the past 12 months, compared with just 7% of adults overall.
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and potentially fatal, making the risk especially dangerous.
Campaigners warn fuel poverty sharply increases exposure. Old boilers, poor ventilation, unaffordable repairs and attempts to block draughts to retain heat can combine to create lethal indoor conditions.
Younger people and families are being hit hardest.
Among 18 to 34-year-olds, 16% reported carbon monoxide problems, while 11% of households with children under 18 said they had experienced issues. Campaigners say this reflects the pressure on renters and families trapped in poor-quality housing.
Basic protection is also missing. Almost one in three people say they do not have a working carbon monoxide detector at home, leaving millions exposed to an invisible threat.
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: “The fact that people living in cold and damp homes are significantly more likely to experience carbon monoxide problems exposes a deadly intersection between poverty, poor housing and our continued reliance on gas.”
He added: “Ending fuel poverty is not just about lowering bills. It means tackling unsafe housing, strengthening tenants’ rights and moving away from fossil fuel systems that put people’s health at risk every winter.”
Students face similar risks.
Research cited by campaigners shows 59% of students feel uncomfortably cold in rented accommodation and 54% report damp or mould.
Campaigners say the findings strengthen the case for urgent investment in warm, well-ventilated homes and affordable clean heating, warning that without action fuel poverty will continue to put lives at risk behind closed doors.
Carbon monoxide risk much higher for fuel poor appeared first on Energy Live News.