IWK sees carbon monoxide poisoning cases double in 2017
Posted Jan 25, 2018 11:59:00 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The IWK says carbon monoxide poisonings went up nearly two-fold in 2017.
There were 62 cases last year at the IWK's regional poison centre, compared to 2016 when there were 34.
The centre's clinical leader, Laurie Mosher, said there are many reasons someone could be accidently exposed to dangerous levels of the colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas.
“The most obvious would be a house fire…or people working in their garage or their shed on machinery, including generators,” she said. “The garage is a big source of exposure as well, starting the car without the door open is another source.”
Mosher added people also have to be cautious during bad weather, making sure their generators are not too close to the house if the power goes out.
“Exposures do go up in December and January, so if there is a power outage or storm or house fire we are going to see increased numbers,” said Mosher. “And as we know in Nova Scotia, we do lose power from time to time.”
If you think you've been exposed, Mosher said you need to get to fresh air as soon as possible.
“If they're having any symptoms at all, call 911,” she said. “The paramedics will administer oxygen treatment as soon as they arrive, it's critical to get oxygen right away.”
She said the best way to protect yourself and your family is to have a carbon monoxide detector with a backup battery.
