Abstract

A report by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique – Water, Land and Environment – suggests that the use of explosives near residences can be an important source of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The death of an American worker following CO poisoning during the use of explosives and what was reported by several Quebecers who were greatly affected prompted a closer look at the situation. The aim of the current study was first to do a review of the cases of CO poisoning caused by work with explosives using the information collected by the Quebec Poison-Control Centre (CAPQ) and Québec hospitals with a hyperbaric chamber. Then, a field study led to examination of the dispersion of the gas around the sites of work with explosives and was used to test various techniques to limit the propagation of CO in the rock near this work. The results of this study led to various recommendations, mainly involving contractors in explosive work, so that they can take action that will reduce the propagation of CO in the rock and infrastructures bordering zones where this work takes place. Other recommendations involve health professionals, public health directorates, and CAPQ, so that any cases that could arise are better dealt with.