Officials warn about carbon monoxide poisonings that kill dozens every year
Posted Dec 20, 2018 11:47:05 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
At least 50 people a year die of carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada and health officials are stressing the importance of installing proper detectors as we head into winter.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health, says the gas is odourless and tasteless, and particularly dangerous if you’re sleeping.
She says if you’re awake, you may suffer symptoms such as a headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and confusion.
Michael Lewis, New Brunswick’s acting fire marshal, says between 2000 and 2007 there were 414 fatalities in Canada related to carbon monoxide.
He said incidents increase in the winter months as a result of problems with fossil-fuel based heating systems, and the improper use of generators during power outages.
Lewis said the only defence is a carbon monoxide detector, and for $25 to $70 it could save your life.
The Canadian Press
