Fatal poisoning near Montreal highlights danger of carbon monoxide leaks, expert says

MONTREAL — The death of a man in his 60s from a carbon monoxide leak south of Montreal highlights the dangers of the potentially deadly gas, a clinical toxicologist said Tuesday as the Quebec coroner’s office launched an investigation into the incident.

The coroner’s office identified the victim as 65-year-old Pierre Dutil, who was taken to hospital on Monday in critical condition and died after a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment building in Brossard, Que., that forced the evacuation of 75 people. Two police officers who came to his aid were also hospitalized, but later released.

Coroner Annie Nadon will investigate and produce a report on the causes and circumstances surrounding the man’s death, the coroner’s office said. “If she deems it appropriate, she will also be able to formulate recommendations, which are preventive measures aimed at protecting human life and avoiding deaths in similar circumstances,” the office wrote in an email.

Josh Wang, the president-elect of the Canadian Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology, says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rise in winter, when people are using heating systems.

“The cases related to heating and generator use, or maybe in this case just regular furnace use, generally arrive in the cold temperature,” he said in a phone interview. “So unfortunately it’s whenever the mercury drops that these things happen.”

Wang said most cases are caused by people using charcoal burners, combustion heaters or generators indoors, adding that it’s relatively rare for a whole apartment building to be affected. People can protect themselves by installing carbon monoxide detectors and by being aware of the symptoms of poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting and light-headedness — especially if several people are affected at once.

Longueuil police were called to the residential building on Lennon Street in Brossard at about 2:30 p.m. In addition to the three people hospitalized, about 75 people had to be evacuated.

Police said Tuesday that the province’s workplace health and safety board, the CNESST, is investigating the incident along with the coroner. Natural gas distributor Énergir confirmed in a statement that it could also be asked to help.

“The CNESST sealed the room and has control of it, for the moment,” Énergir wrote without giving details on the nature of the leak. “If there is an investigation, (the CNESST) will lead it and Énergir will collaborate at their request.”

Longueuil’s fire department echoed Wang’s advice, and urged people to install carbon monoxide detectors.

“Following the unfortunate incident … we would like to remind you of the crucial importance of having a carbon monoxide detector in your home,” the fire department said on social media. “This little device can really save lives by detecting this colourless and odourless gas.”

Wang said that almost 2,000 cases of carbon monoxide exposure were reported to Canadian poison centres in 2021 — the most recent year that data is available — and that the number is considered an underestimation. He says most patients survive the exposure, but some experience serious neurological complications and disability.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2025.

Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press