Why “Yellow Canary”?
Sensitive to noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, the yellow canaries were used as organic “early-warning” devices to detect gases that are colorless, odorless and tasteless. Gases were easily formed underground during a mine fire or after an explosion. It was important that those going back into the mines had a way to detect any noxious gases. Although mice were also used, yellow canaries were more sensitive and the canaries’ distress was more readily observable to the miners. A canary would waver on its perch at the first sign of danger – and – lose consciousness and drop to the bottom of their cages before the levels of toxins in the air affected the miners. If the canary hit the deck, the miners hit the exits. Once electronic gauges were developed to measure levels of these gases, the use of the canaries stopped. (Mostly because, over time, the electronic devices proved to be cheaper. Over time, to call someone or something a “yellow canary” took on a wider meaning. To be a “yell
