Five hospitalized after carbon monoxide leak at NE Calgary home

Five people, including a child, were hospitalized Monday afternoon following a carbon monoxide incident at a northeast Calgary home.

Shortly before 2 p.m., Calgary Fire Department crews responded to reports of a possible carbon monoxide leak at a two-storey home on Taralake Way NE in the community of Taradale.

Upon arrival, firefighters were met by occupants from two families—one living in the basement suite and the other occupying the upper floors—who reported feeling unwell. All had sought medical attention the previous day but had returned home.

Fire crews confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the home. When they activated the furnace and hot water tank, CO levels spiked to 172 parts per million (ppm)—well above the 50 ppm threshold considered dangerous.

ATCO and multiple Emergency Health Services ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

Stuart Brideaux with EMS says the effects of CO on the body can materialize over time. –

“The effects of carbon monoxide can take effect very rapidly if a patient is in an environment of very high concentration of carbon monoxide, very, very, very high parts per million,” he explained. “But the other issue with CO poisoning is that it can build up over days if the person is in an environment of a lower concentration, is unaware of it.

“The issue is that carbon monoxide has a cumulative effect and once it’s in the blood, it’s very difficult for the body to expel it, so it begins to build up.”

Four adults and one child were transported to the hospital in non-life-threatening condition.

ATCO later recorded peak CO levels of 500 ppm and shut down the gas line to the furnace pending repairs. Firefighters ventilated the home until CO readings returned to zero and remained stable.

In a statement, the Calgary Fire Department is emphasizing the importance of working carbon monoxide alarms, which should be installed on every level of a home, particularly near sleeping areas.

Brideaux says CO takes up the place in one’s blood where we carry oxygen.

“So the more carbon monoxide that’s in our blood is ever decreasing the amount of oxygen we can carry and that begins to have effects throughout the entire body, but particularly in the central nervous system, like in the brain, but other vital organs,” he said.

Carbon monoxide has a high affinity, meaning it sticks to the blood in a way that makes it more difficult for oxygen to displace it and return to normal function.

Residents are advised to schedule regular inspections of fuel-burning equipment and never operate gas-powered devices in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.