ALMOST 1.7 million people in the North-East are still at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, new research has found.

In a survey for the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed campaign, 85 per cent of North-Easterners knew carbon monoxide can kill.

However, only 35 per cent said they had a carbon monoxide alarm.

Of those without one, 40 per cent said this was because they had a smoke alarm.

Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who is leading the campaign, said: “The message that carbon monoxide is dangerous seems to be getting through but it is horrifying to think that there are still millions of people who are not protecting themselves or think they are protected when they’re not.”

Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell. An audible alarm which sounds when carbon monoxide is present is the only way to ensure a household is protected.

The Department of Health estimates 50 people are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning each year – and at least 4,000 are hospitalised.

The Northern Echo’s Silent Killer campaign aims to cut the number of deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.