British Columbians are being urged to consider the air that they breathe next week, as the Province of British Columbia declares November 1 to 7 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, with MLA Jennifer Rice, the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparation offering up a few notes at Thursday mornings session.
The MLA observed how the dangers of Carbon monoxide are present around the home or workplace and how you may not even know you are suffering ill effects from it. Her tutorial included a look at what it is and some of the dire consequences that can come from it
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel — such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood — does not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion and drowsiness. At very high levels, it can cause death. Unfortunately, here in B.C., carbon monoxide has been a silent killer. According to the B.C. Coroner Service, 119 people have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning between 2008 and 2017.
Towards prevention she outlined the need for a working carbon monoxide alarm in home and workplaces and the need to test them regularly, as well as the measures to take should an incident take place.
This Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week I urge everyone in this chamber and all British Columbians to install carbon monoxide alarms and have fuel-burning appliances inspected. Visit the office of the fire commissioner's website for more information on carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms and how you can prevent carbon monoxide buildup. It's worth it. The few minutes we all spend educating ourselves and preparing now could make all the difference for our families and loved ones.
You can view her presentation from the Legislature House Video from Thursday morning, Ms. Rice speaks the Chamber at 10:15 AM. A transcript of her remarks can also be reviewed here.
For more notes on how take preventive measures towards carbon monoxide see some notes on the topic here.
For more items of note from the Legislature see our archive page here.
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