UK and Republic of Ireland Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (version 1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Surveillance of children admitted to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK and Republic of Ireland
IRAS ID
347319
Contact name
Rachel Knowles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/11/61, UCL Data Protection Registration (research project)
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood, and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. When CO enters the body, it prevents blood from bringing oxygen to organs.
In the home, exposure to CO is from fuel-burning appliances which are poorly installed, faulty, or used inappropriately (including inadequate ventilation). House fires and cigarette smoking are also sources of CO.
A brief exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide may cause headache, flushing, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, muscle pain or personality changes. Exposure to larger amounts may cause movement problems, weakness, confusion, lung and heart problems, loss of consciousness and death.
There is little information about how often CO poisoning affects children and what happens when it does. Living costs, including fuel costs, are increasing. With one third of UK children living in households experiencing poverty, the cost-of-living crisis may force families into situations where they are unable to safely maintain fuel-consuming devices.
Over 13 months, we want to collect data on every child under 16 years of age in the UK and the Republic of Ireland who is admitted to hospital with CO poisoning. We want to find out how many children are admitted with CO poisoning each year. We also want to find out the characteristics of these children, as well as what happens after poisoning (such as the need for intensive care and how many children die).
The study will be used to develop awareness campaigns for the public and medical professionals. It will also increase the evidence-base to influence prevention policies such as CO alarm ownership.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0880
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion