Masks made by the subsidiary of a Quebec-based company are being used for executions in the United States, justice advocacy groups say.
Alabama plans to execute inmate Kenneth Smith on Thursday by nitrogen hypoxia, in which breathable air is replaced with nitrogen, depriving the body of oxygen.
A mask and hose are typically used as a respirator, according to U.S.-based non-profits Worth Rises and the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice.
And in this case, the advocates say, the equipment is made by Allegro Industries. Allegro is a subsidiary of Quebec-based Walter Surface Technologies, which in turn is partly owned by Toronto private equity
