According to the NHS, there are around 40 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year in England and Wales. In addition, about 4,000 people a year are admitted to A&E with CO poisoning symptoms, which are often mistaken for other illnesses such as flu.
CO alarms and regular servicing of gas appliances are the recommended methods of prevention. Whilst CO alarms alert householders to high levels of CO, they are less effective at detecting low levels, which pose a risk to health with prolonged exposure.
This project explored the potential of wearable technology to detect low levels of atmospheric CO, providing vulnerable customers – namely pregnant women and the elderly – with early and reliable protection.
The Challenge
CO is a poisonous gas that can be caused by incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances, such as gas hobs and boilers.
It’s odourless, colourless and tasteless, and can be deadly, especially during the winter. Responding to CO-related incidents places considerable strain on the emergency services.
Household detectors sound the alarm when there are high levels of CO, but low levels often go undetected. Undiagnosed CO poisoning poses a serious health risk; producing lasting neurological damage, memory loss and difficulties in concentration.
The distribution networks responsible for operating the gas emergency service were interested in finding a smart solution that would provide a more responsive means of protecting lives from the health risks posed by CO.
The Journey
Using the latest sensor technology, a pioneering wearable device was developed that combined CO detection with other vital function monitoring, such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate.
The innovator Affotek, provided a preliminary design concept for the technology, which was developed in stages:
- Stage 1: Gathering stakeholder feedback and validating the sensor technology’s capabilities before manufacturing two prototype devices
- Stage 2: Testing in simulated settings for detection of CO and other vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and fatigue. A mobile app was developed to support user adoption and results analysis, while the Academic Health Sciences Network NE & Cumbria undertook independent testing of the device
- Stage 3: User testing with volunteers to measure effectiveness and overall functionality.
The Resolution
While progress was slower than originally anticipated due to the challenges of developing the technology from scratch, the project has achieved its objectives to date.
The prototyping phase was completed successfully and there is evidence to suggest that the technology will have a positive impact on customers in vulnerable situations, the NHS and other emergency services through prevention of death and disability, and better health.
Other potential benefits are:
- Improvement in wellbeing (through having the reassurance of the monitor and ability to better manage fatigue)
- Improvements in productivity and reduced work/medical appointment absences.
What’s Next?
Affotek is now working to progress the technology to TRL 9 so that the gas distribution networks can deploy the devices at scale, helping to keep vulnerable customers safe in their homes.