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Fatal poisoning near Montreal highlights danger of carbon monoxide leaks, expert says

Jan 28, 2025 | 12:38 PM

MONTREAL — A clinical toxicologist says the death of a man in his 60s from a carbon monoxide leak south of Montreal highlights the dangers of the potentially deadly gas.

Josh Wang, the president-elect of the Canadian Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology, says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises in winter and can be linked to the use of generators or heating systems such as furnaces.

He says people can protect themselves by installing carbon monoxide detectors and by being aware of the symptoms of poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting and light-headedness.

One man died and two police officers were hospitalized after the leak at a residential building in Brossard on Monday that also forced 75 people to evacuate.

Longueuil police say the Quebec coroner and the province’s workplace health and safety board are investigating the incident.

The city’s fire service posted a message today on social media reminding people that carbon monoxide detectors can potentially save lives.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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