Carbon monoxide risks bigger than people think: Dr. Ken LeDez
One doctor is hoping people will be more aware of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, after two people were discovered dead in a car off Portugal Cove Road last week.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Simon Avis confirmed Monday Crystal Woodrow, 17, and Joshua Williams, 20, died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Their deaths were deemed accidental.
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According to LeDez, carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of death due to poisoning in North America.
He added that idling a car is not the only way to be killed by carbon monoxide.
"If you're running a generator for a long period of time inside an enclosed space like a shed and you go back in to refuel the generator, sometimes as little as a few breaths can drop you and kill you as quick as that or knock you out," said LeDez.
"For prolonged idling in a vehicle it will usually take a number of hours but it depends on the circumstances. For example, if the vehicle has been backed up and the exhaust is in a pile of dirt or a pile of snow, and the exhaust is obstructed, then it can happen quite fast."
'The bottom line' is not sitting in idling cars
LeDez said that a vehicle doesn't necessarily need to be an older model or have faulty exhaust to post a threat, either.
So many people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in vehicles, the monoxide detectors aren't that expensive, why isn't it offered? Why don't we have them in our cars?- Dr. Ken LeDez
"Vehicles are meant to be driven, they're meant to be moving, and that flushes carbon monoxide fumes away all the time, so cars are not designed to be idled for long periods of time with people sitting in it, that's just the bottom line."
LeDez said people idle their cars more often in winter, but the cold temperatures add a threat, creating what he calls a "cool-air cocoon" around the vehicle, trapping the gases inside.
One of the most important ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, according to LeDez, is ensuring a working detector in homes and sheds. He added it's something he'd like to see manufacturers install in vehicles, as well.
"I've never seen it [in cars], and I don't know why. So many people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in vehicles, the monoxide detectors aren't that expensive, why isn't it offered? Why don't we have them in our cars?"
LeDez said the number of deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning last year "almost amounted to an epidemic," but he hopes this year people are more aware of the dangers and take appropriate measures.
He added that while operating a generator, people need to ensure their shed or garage is properly ventilated — and just opening a door isn't enough. LeDez said people should avoid sitting in idling vehicles, and ensure they have functioning detectors installed in their homes and garages.