5 people treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after Dartmouth incident
Residents of an apartment building in Dartmouth, N.S. were forced to evacuate early Sunday morning due to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide. The incident resulted in five people being treated at the hospital for exposure to the toxic gas.
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency district Chief Stephen Turner explained that the call came in at 1:08 a.m. AT from medical staff at Dartmouth General Hospital. A patient had arrived with elevated levels of carbon monoxide, prompting the hospital to contact the fire department.
Upon arrival at the Albro Lake Road apartment building, fire crews confirmed the presence of high concentrations of carbon monoxide. The exact number of residents evacuated remains unclear, but four individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. The building was ventilated and occupants were eventually allowed to return to their units.
The source of the carbon monoxide leak has yet to be determined, leaving authorities puzzled as to how the dangerous gas infiltrated the building undetected.
In light of the incident, the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters association emphasized the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in homes with gas-burning appliances like furnaces, propane fireplaces, or barbecues. These detectors should be installed on every level of a home to ensure early detection and warning of potential carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, as it is odorless and colorless, making it imperceptible without the aid of a detector. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these warning signs and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure to this deadly gas.
