"None of the workers are safe"
A woman working at a supportive housing organization in British Columbia has shared her experience of being hospitalized after she was exposed to toxic drug fumes while on the job.
In an interview with CTV News, the woman spoke about feeling unsafe in her role as a mental health and addiction worker with the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
She described the physical effects of being exposed to drug fumes on a near daily basis. She told CTV News that she is one of many co-workers who make frequent hospital visits due to severe nausea and dizziness.
“Something has to get done about all of this,” said the woman, who asked to remain anonymous. “None of the workers are safe.”
The issue of toxic drug fumes has been recognized by Don McTavish, director of housing and shelters at the Cool Aid Society.
Speaking with CTV News, McTavish revealed that air quality tests conducted last fall at the old Tally Ho Hotel—a property operated by the organization—confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals.
McTavish said they’ve begun implementing safety measures, including mandatory respirator masks for staff during high-risk activities such as checking rooms or responding to potential overdoses.
This change in safety protocols corresponds with a shift in drug consumption patterns, from injection to smoking, which presents new challenges in confined spaces like building vestibules or elevators, according to McTavish.
“It’s a new reality that we’re all being faced with in smaller areas, like a building vestibule, an elevator or going into an apartment,” he told CTV News.
The situation has also drawn the attention of BC Conservative leader John Rustad, who called for improved addiction treatment solutions.
During a recent question period, Rustad asked: “Does this premier think it’s acceptable that workers in taxpayer-funded facilities have to wear gas masks to prevent the inhalation of drug fumes?”
In response, BC housing minister Ravi Kahlon acknowledged ongoing issues at the Tally Ho site, particularly with non-compliance to no-smoking rules. He also highlighted the difficulty of enforcing these policies without displacing residents.
“There is a no smoking policy at that site, and the challenge for us always is if you kick people out, where do they find themselves: a homeless situation,” said Kahlon.
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