Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning during snowstorms

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Given the large amount of snow that has fallen in Montréal, the public health department (DSP) of the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal would like to remind residents of measures to take to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

• Never leave the motor running when clearing the snow away from your car.
• Remove the snow that has accumulated around the car and the tail pipe before starting the engine.

This will prevent exhaust from accumulating under the vehicle and seeping into your car in potentially deadly concentrations.

Every year, this odourless, colourless gas causes many intoxications Its toxic effects can occur before you are aware of its presence. Effects range from headaches to death, in the most serious cases.

CO alarms in homes offer excellent protection

Certain heating appliances can also produce carbon monoxide. Therefore the DSP recommends the following:

• Install a CO alarm if your home has a natural gas, oil or wood burning appliance.
• Get your heating system checked once a year.
• Never use fuel-burning backup heating appliances indoors during power failures.

Since exhaust fumes are toxic, the DSP also recommends installing a carbon monoxide alarm if your home has an attached garage or is above an indoor parking garage.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel (e.g. oil, natural gas, wood, kerosene, coal and propane) is burned. In Montréal, two-thirds of homes have at least one source of carbon monoxide, but only a third have CO alarms.

For more information, residents can visit the Santé Montréal portal at  www.santemontreal.qc.ca/co/.

SOURCE: Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal

Source: Direction de santé publique, Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal; Information: Media relations: 514-286-5709