As the Australian summer unfolds with its long days and warm nights, many of us look forward to barbecues, beach outings, and spending quality time with family and friends.

However, amidst these seasonal pleasures lurks a silent danger that could turn these joyous occasions into tragedies in minutes.

This threat isn't a snake or a spider, as one might typically worry about in Australia, but an invisible and odourless gas: carbon monoxide (CO).


Industry experts are raising the alarm about the risks of CO poisoning, which can be just as prevalent in the summer as in the winter when heaters are more commonly used.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning natural gas, coal, oil, bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, or charcoal.


CO levels can rise quickly and with deadly consequences when these fuels burn in poorly ventilated spaces.

In Australia, accidental CO poisoning results in approximately 50 hospital admissions and up to 10 deaths each year, and these figures may not fully capture the extent of the problem.

Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia, spoke about the importance of vigilance.


‘Any household appliance that burns natural gas, coal, oil, bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel or charcoal will produce some levels of CO,’ she said.

'Aussies are focused on enjoying time with loved ones—potentially overlooking this hazard.'

The statistics are concerning: 85 per cent of Australians either do not have a CO alarm or are unsure if they have one in their home.

Moreover, over a quarter of the population doesn't know the difference between CO and smoke alarms.

This 'knowledge gap' leaves many households vulnerable to the dangers of CO poisoning.


The symptoms of CO poisoning can be deceptive, often resembling the flu, with headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and fatigue.

These signs can quickly go unnoticed until it's too late. High levels of CO can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death within minutes.

Tragically, there have been recent incidents that highlighted the risks, such as the hospitalisation of six people in western Sydney and four individuals, including a child, in Wentworthville due to CO poisoning from indoor use of barbecues intended for outdoor use.

A couple in their Westminster home in Perth was also found unconscious by their teenage children due to charcoal burning in an unvented bedroom.

'They were using (the charcoal) as a heating source in the bedroom...where both of the casualties were located,' Acting District Officer Luke Miles said.

He noted that they had been at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for an extended period, which can cause serious health issues like headaches, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, seizures, and even death.


Brooks Australia urged Australians to take proactive steps to combat this silent killer.

Educating family members about the symptoms of CO poisoning is crucial, as is installing CO alarms in homes.

These alarms can provide an early warning and are designed to emit a sound loud enough to wake even a sleeping person, ensuring that no one sleeps through a potentially fatal CO build-up.

As we enjoy the best of what the Australian summer offers, let's not forget to safeguard our homes and loved ones from this silent threat.

Check your appliances regularly, never use outdoor cooking equipment indoors, and consider investing in a CO alarm if you don't already have one.
Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, and are you confident it functions appropriately? Have you discussed the symptoms and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning with your family to ensure everyone knows what to look out for? Let us know in the comments below.