Dozens hospitalized in Que. with carbon monoxide poisoning: 'Serious' health hazard

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Officials are urging caution following a spike in carbon monoxide poisonings in Ontario and Quebec.

Since April 5, at least 82 people have been hospitalized in Montreal and Laval monoxide poisoning symptoms following widespread power outages in Quebec and parts of Ontario.

Last week's fierce ice storm left more than one million people without power, prompting a rise in 911 calls after some residents attempted unconventional methods to heat their homes.

On Friday, fire crews were called to a home in Nepean, Ont. after a family fired up a charcoal barbecue inside to heat their home. Eleven people from one family were hospitalized, and crews detected dangerous CO levels at 180 parts per million.

In Gatineau, Que., fire crews responded to approximately 20 carbon monoxide-related calls on Friday and Saturday after thousands were still without power following Wednesday's ice storm. In Toronto, two people were taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after a carbon monoxide call on Tuesday.

On Twitter, Ottawa Fire Services reported seeing "many residents" using generators inside their garages and homes and warned against using unsafe appliances inside.

According to a report by the University of Fraser Valley, approximately 300 people die of carbon monoxide poisoning each year in Canada, most of which are accidental while Canadians are asleep. In the United States, more than 400 people die each year from the odourless, colourless and tasteless gas.

Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and prevent potential accidents.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

When there’s too much carbon monoxide in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with the gas. Carbon monoxide is produced when you burn gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel.

If appliances and engines like furnaces, fireplaces and stoves are poorly ventilated, carbon monoxide can quickly build-up to a toxic level.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Although carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, there are physical symptoms that indicate whether a person has been exposed to high carbon monoxide levels.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, tiredness, chest pain and headaches.

Someone with severe carbon monoxide poisoning may experience irritability, an altered mental state, loss of consciousness, coma and death. It’s especially dangerous for children and people with preexisting conditions, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

What are the long-term impacts of carbon monoxide poisoning?

While most carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms occur immediately, in some cases the effects don’t arise until weeks later.

When you’re exposed to the gas, the amount of time you have before experiencing certain symptoms like loss of consciousness depends on various factors, including how large the space is and whether it has proper ventilation.

According to Dr. Ken LeDez, an anesthesiologist and specialist in hyperbaric medicine in Newfoundland, opening a door or window may not be enough to prevent damage.

LeDez says carbon monoxide poisoning can cause "severe neurologic damage," including things like depression, severe memory loss and "Parkinson's disease type symptoms."

In a previous interview with Yahoo Canada, LeDez says it’s important to manage any prolonged symptoms like dizziness or impaired cognitions with treatment as soon as possible.

"I’ve seen many, many patients who have not sought treatment, who have had long-term consequences and are basically unable to work ever again," he explains.

As an expert in carbon monoxide poisoning, LeDez recommends treating the more serious cases with hyperbaric oxygen to prevent delayed onset effects and to treat the immediate symptoms.

Patients who undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy sit in a special chamber and breathe in pure oxygen with air pressure levels up to three times higher than average, allowing the body to heal.

What do you do if you suspect someone has carbon monoxide poisoning?

If you believe someone has been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure to open windows and doors quickly, or evacuate the home and call 911. Firefighters have the necessary equipment to measure the levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

Make sure you also protect yourself by going outside and getting fresh air after being in the affected space.

How do you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with proper tools and maintenance. The most important way to keep your family safe is by outfitting your home with a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. You should install one on each level of your home and near the bedrooms, replacing the batteries twice a year.

The Canadian Red Cross says it's also important to have fuel-based appliances and equipment serviced annually by a qualified professional and to never run a vehicle inside a garage.

Aside from the recommended tools and servicing, look out for other people in your community by checking in on them if you haven’t seen them in a while.

"Certainly neighbours have rescued lots of people in my experience," LeDez says.

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