Five residents were admitted to the hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning after a serious incident at an apartment building on Albro Lake Road in Halifax. The situation escalated after a staff member at Dartmouth General Hospital noticed a patient showing symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure, prompting an emergency call to local authorities.

At approximately 1:10 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Halifax Fire Department responded to the emergency call at the 18-unit apartment building. Upon arrival, firefighters evacuated the residents from the premises. They detected “extremely high” levels of carbon monoxide inside the building, which posed a severe health risk. Alarmingly, there were no carbon monoxide detectors present in the building, a factor that exacerbated the dangerous situation.

In total, nine residents were affected by the carbon monoxide—five were immediately hospitalized, and four additional residents followed as precautionary measures. The responding firefighters were quick to identify the source of the leak, which was traced back to a malfunction in the exhaust system of the building's boiler. After locating the leak, emergency teams were able to rectify the issue and ventilate the building, allowing residents to return safely once the air quality was deemed acceptable.

The Halifax Professional Fire Fighters emphasized the deadly nature of carbon monoxide, which is known as an invisible and odorless gas. They urged residents to install carbon monoxide alarms in any buildings that utilize gas appliances or have an attached garage. This incident highlights a critical oversight, as the Nova Scotia Building Code does not mandate the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in properties within the Halifax Regional Municipality. However, both municipal officials and emergency responders advocate for the installation of such alarms in all buildings, particularly those featuring fuel-burning appliances.

Residents should be vigilant regarding the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure. These symptoms can range from mild fatigue and dizziness to more critical manifestations such as nausea, fainting, and in severe cases, coma or death. The fire department's guidelines emphasize that individuals who suspect exposure to carbon monoxide should evacuate the building immediately and contact emergency services by calling 9-1-1.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by carbon monoxide in residential areas and the importance of preventative measures, including regular maintenance of appliances and the use of safety alarms. Proper education and awareness can significantly reduce the risk associated with this silent but deadly gas.