Officials from the North Bay Fire and Emergency Services are warning the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Deputy Chief Greg Saunders says carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can kill you quickly. It is called the silent killer because it is colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating. If the early signs of CO exposure are ignored or the CO concentration is very high, a person may lose consciousness and be unable to escape the danger. CO exposure is the leading cause of death due to poisoning in North America but officials say these deaths are entirely preventable.
NBFES crews responded early Thursday to a report of a significant natural gas leak inside a home on Bloem Street.
Upon arrival, fire crews encountered significant carbon monoxide readings. The home was vacant at the time. Fire crews worked with Union Gas personnel to identify the source of the carbon monoxide as coming from a faulty boiler.
Due to the high levels of the gas, adjacent homes were evacuated. The source of the gas was isolated by Union Gas personnel and homeowners were able to safely return to their homes.
Initial symptoms of CO poisoning can be mistaken for flu symptoms. Depending on the air concentration of CO and how long the CO is breathed in, you can experience any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, loss of muscle control, shortness of breath, chest tightness, visual changes, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart, redness of the skin, confusion and mild behavioral effects such as slowed reaction time or altered driving skills.
CO poisoning should be suspected if more than one member of the family is sick and if those who are sick feel better after being away from the area for a period of time. At high levels or during continued exposure, CO can cause suffocation, resulting in loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death.
The following clues will help identify symptoms that could be the result of CO poisoning:
- Symptoms occur or get worse shortly after turning on a fuel-burning device (generator, vehicle, tool).
- More than one person in the home becomes sick at the same time (it usually takes several days for the flu to pass from person to person).
- Symptoms are brought on by being in a certain location and go away soon after leaving the area.
North Bay Fire would like to make certain that you have properly maintained CO alarms in your home. These alarms are required by law to protect your family.
