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Carbon monoxide causes hospitalization of many in Humboldt care home

Dec 28, 2010 | 6:25 AM

A Boxing Day carbon monoxide scare at a long-term care home in Humboldt sent several people to hospital.

Two dozen residents, plus a handful of staff and visitors at St. Mary's Villa were taken to hospital for observation. All but one has since been released.

The woman who still remains in hospital is in her 80s. She suffered a minor heart attack linked to her carbon monoxide exposure.

Dr. Warren Huber has been looking after some of the patients since the incident and says they are at risk for some long-term effects.

“There are potential long-term effects associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, at this point there is no way of knowing anyone that will suffer them,” he said.

Dr. Kelvin Fisher with the Saskatoon Health Region says the faulty boiler causing the problems has been fixed.

“We are no longer showing any signs of carbon monoxide in the entire building, let alone that wing,” he said.

Carbon Monoxide detectors have also been installed throughout the facility.