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Most of us know the risks of not fitting a smoke alarm. But how many of us take steps to prevent the silent killer in our homes – carbon monoxide?

The deadly gas, which is colourless and odourless yet highly toxic, kills at least 50 people in the UK each year and sees thousands hospitalised.

Yet despite the scary statistics, most households fail to take the few simple steps needed to help save lives.

Only one third of us have a carbon monoxide alarm and two thirds don’t bother to get our fuel appliances, which can leak CO, regularly checked.

Now, for CO Awareness Week (November 21-27), campaigners are desperate to get the message out that CO is dangerous stuff – but that a few easy measures can stop the risks.

Dr Ed Walker, medical advisor to the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness, says: “Carbon monoxide is lethal even in small amounts, yet is commonly found in homes and workplaces all over the world.

“As a society we are probably less aware of its dangers than we were 50 years ago, and unless that changes people will continue to die and be severely disabled.”

So what causes CO to leak into our homes – and how can we stop it?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as oil, paper, wood, coal or petrol are burned incompletely.

If combustion appliances such as boilers, cookers and gas fires are properly installed, ventilated and regularly maintained, the risks are extremely low. But if those appliances are not fitted by a licensed expert, or kept