A Quebec daycare centre narrowly avoided tragedy this month when more than 70 young children had to be taken to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

The St-Eustache Les petits explorateurs daycare centre did not have a carbon monoxide detector installed, and the students were only removed from the building when workers began to feel unwell.

According to CBC News, authorities in the small town believe a propane-fuelled floor-cleaning machine may have been the source of the leak.

St-Eustache Director of Professional Services Dr. Alain Turcotte told a news conference that the first children to arrive at hospital “showed symptoms of typical intoxication”.

“Carbon monoxide is a gas you can’t see or smell, […] so it was a good hunch by ambulance workers to think of carbon monoxide when they arrived on site and saw the children’s discomfort,” said public-health official Marie-Claude Lacombe, as reported by the International Business Times.

“In an ideal world, everyone would have had a carbon monoxide detector, like they have a smoke detector, but in this case there was not one.”

Young children are particularly at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is fortunate that the caregivers in the centre were able to identify the problem and evacuate the students as quickly as possible to prevent serious injury.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has tweeted his concern for those affected, noting that it was “very worrisome news” and that he hoped “for the quick recovery of all those involved”.

Cowra couple killed by carbon monoxide 

Closer to home, a newly released coroner’s report has confirmed that an elderly couple found dead in August of last year were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The couple, who lived in the New South Wales town of Cowra, passed away after a wood heater that had not received proper maintenance began leaking the poisonous gas into their living room.

Both the man and the woman killed in the incident were found with carbon monoxide saturation levels at least 50 per cent, according to the Cowra Guardian – more than double the level that would render most individuals unconscious.

It is believed that the wood heater’s flue had not been serviced in a number of years, and this is likely what attributed to the toxic level of carbon monoxide accumulating. Authorities currently do not have reason to suspect suspicious circumstances around the death.

These incidents come just a month after five people were found dead in Washington Township, Pennsylvania, after being poisoned by an an improperly ventilated propane heater.

Understanding the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health risk, and it is important that people take the time to educate themselves about the risks and warning signs that could indicate an individual is suffering from this ailment.

Carbon monoxide poisoning typically manifests itself through headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and stomach pain, according to the UK National Health Service.

Higher quantities of carbon monoxide poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and death.

As a colourless, odourless gas carbon monoxide is very much a silent killer. Furthermore, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often ambiguous and can be confused for those associated with the common cold or flu.

Fortunately, specialised carbon monoxide sensors are available that can detect this poisonous gas and provide warning when the amount of carbon monoxide in the air reaches an unsafe level.

Testo stocks a wide range of carbon monoxide sensors and flue gas analysers, that are perfect for professionals who are often working with equipment or in areas that present a carbon monoxide risk.

The testo 317-3 Ambient CO Meter, for example, is designed to quickly and accurately detect unusual concentrations of carbon monoxide and offer both a visual and audible warning.

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