• The Trade Inspection verified 167 carbon monoxide detectors offered by 84 companies.
• Over 25 per cent of them are mislabeled. One of the detectors tested posed a real danger - it did not alarm when carbon monoxide was leaking.
• Download the inspection report and a list of lab-tested products.

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas, known as the "silent killer". It is colourless, odourless and tasteless – which is why it is so difficult to detect on one's own. Lack of periodic inspections of chimney and ventilation ducts, faulty heating devices or their improper operation can cause serious poisoning or even death. Therefore, it is important to remember to install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms to warn you of the danger in time.

The Trade Inspection examined 167 detector models. It questioned 42 of the models tested, 1 of which was found not to activate when carbon monoxide was leaking. Most irregularities were related to labeling and instructions for use. They lacked, among other things, markings and warnings important for consumers, e.g. the maximum time the device can be used or that the detector must be installed by a professional. 16 detector models underwent testing in a specialised laboratory. Experts tested whether at a high alarm threshold of 300 ppm CO (parts per million – the number of CO molecules in 1 million air molecules) the alarm is triggered in a timely manner. It should turn on within three minutes. During testing, one detector model did not work. The inspection resulted in twelve post-inspection statements and one administrative proceeding. The defective detector was withdrawn from the store and the trader removed the causes of the irregularity and repaired the product.

Compared to previous detector inspections, the number of irregularities detected is lower. Previously, samples of 7 models of carbon monoxide detectors were referred for laboratory testing, all of which were questioned due to improper triggering of alarm thresholds.

Carbon monoxide detectors - manual

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices for home use that will alert you when there is carbon monoxide in the room.

When purchasing a detector, pay attention to:

• Detector type. Type A – it emits a visual and sound alarm as well as can trigger ventilation. Type B - it only emits a visual and sound alarm.
• Type of power supply. Carbon monoxide detectors can be battery-powered or connected to the home electrical grid. If you often have power outages, choose a battery-powered detector.
• Standard. The detector should be marked with the name of the PN-EN 50291-1:2010/A1:2013-05 standard. The company thus certifies that it has tested the detector for safety requirements.
• User manual. It must be written in Polish and contain complete, unambiguous and accurate information regarding installation, proper operation and regular inspection of the device. It will also tell you what to do in case of an alarm and how to recognise a possible detector failure.

Do you have doubts about your carbon monoxide detector? Notify the Trade Inspection.

Consumer assistance:

Phone No. 801 440 220 or 22 290 89 16 – consumer hotline
E-mail: [SCODE]cG9yYWR5QGRsYWtvbnN1bWVudG93LnBs[ECODE]
Consumer Ombudsmen – in your town or county
Trade Inspection – in your voivodeship

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL