Zhang Ming (pseudonym), dragged his tired body after working overtime, and stepped into his car, which had been baking under the scorching sun all day. As soon as the car door closed, it seemed to isolate the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and the cool breeze of the air conditioner instantly wrapped him, bringing a trace of comfort.
He didn't realize that a silent crisis was quietly unfolding in the car at this time. With the low roar of the engine, the air conditioner blows not only a cool breeze, but also carbon monoxide molecules hidden in the exhaust of the car, which quietly accumulate in the enclosed compartment.
As time passed, Zhang Ming (pseudonym) originally just wanted to close his eyes and rest, but he gradually fell into a kind of sleepiness that could not be extricated, and his hands and feet began to become weak and confused. If someone whispered in his ear, "This is a deadly comfort trap!", it might pull him back from the brink of the nightmare.
01. The dangers of carbon monoxide
Tissue Hypoxia and Brain Damage: Carbon monoxide has hundreds of times more affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, and once combined, they form carboxyhemoglobin, greatly reducing hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen.
This means that the body's tissues and organs, especially the brain, which has a high demand for oxygen, suffer damage because they don't get enough oxygen.
Mild poisoning may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, while severe poisoning may lead to deep coma, cerebral edema, and even permanent damage to brain function.
Increased burden on the heart and damage to the heart muscle: The heart is the driving force of the body's blood circulation, and the need for oxygen is equally urgent. Systemic hypoxia caused by carbon monoxide poisoning will force the heart to beat faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which can cause myocardial overload in the long term, resulting in damage to myocardial cells, and in severe cases, it can lead to arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and other fatal consequences.
Multisystem dysfunction: Carbon monoxide poisoning is not limited to damage to the nervous system and circulatory system, but can also affect multiple organs such as the kidneys and liver, causing extensive tissue damage.
The kidneys may become less functional due to a lack of oxygen, which can lead to kidney failure in severe cases. In addition, symptoms may occur in the eyes and skin, such as retinal damage and allergic skin reactions.
Chronic health effects: Prolonged exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause long-term adverse health effects, even if not to the extent of acute toxicity. It may exacerbate the risk of cardiovascular disease, affect cognitive function, and even lead to problems such as memory loss and poor concentration.
Imperceptible fatal risk: The greatest danger of carbon monoxide is its colorless and odorless properties, which are difficult to detect. In a confined or poorly ventilated environment, such as a car with the windows closed and the air conditioner turned on, even if there is no obvious discomfort, it may be on the verge of poisoning, and once consciousness is lost, the ability to save oneself is lost, and the consequences are unimaginable.
02. Why in-car air conditioning has become a hotbed of danger
Limitations of confined spaces: The interior of the car is relatively small and well sealed, especially when the air conditioning is turned on and the windows are closed, creating an environment that is almost isolated from the outside world.
This containment limits the air exchange between the inside and outside of the vehicle, making it difficult to expel harmful gases such as carbon monoxide once they accumulate.
Potential threat of engine exhaust: Car engines run less efficiently at idle, and fuel may not burn sufficiently, producing more carbon monoxide.
These exhaust fumes are blown away by the wind during normal driving, but when parking, especially in confined spaces such as garages, exhaust fumes can be sucked into the vehicle through gaps in the vehicle body or through the air conditioning system. Even outdoors if the vehicle is poorly ventilated, carbon monoxide can accumulate.
Influence of air conditioning cycle mode: Vehicle air conditioning system usually has two modes: internal circulation and external circulation. In internal circulation mode, the air conditioning system only reuses the existing air in the vehicle.
Fresh air is not brought in from the outside world, which exacerbates the deterioration of air quality in the car. Even in the external circulation mode, if the concentration of carbon monoxide in the vehicle's surroundings is high, it is possible to introduce harmful gases into the vehicle.
Oxygen consumption and increased carbon dioxide concentrations: When resting in the car for a long time, a person's breathing causes the oxygen level in the car to drop and the carbon dioxide concentration to rise.
While this usually does not directly lead to poisoning, it can increase discomfort such as fatigue, dizziness, and reduce sensitivity and resistance to other harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
Lack of warning signs: Carbon monoxide itself is colorless and odorless, and the initial symptoms of poisoning are often mistaken for fatigue or other minor discomforts, making it difficult for victims to perceive the danger until the poisoning deepens and they lose the ability to save themselves.
03. How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Enhance ventilation awareness: When using the air conditioner in the car in summer, do not stay in a closed car for a long time, especially avoid poor ventilation places such as garages. Even when driving, open the windows for ventilation at the right time and avoid using the internal circulation mode all the time.
Equipment maintenance and inspection: Regularly check the plumbing and ventilation of gas or natural gas water heaters and stoves to ensure that there are no leaks, and that the installation is in a reasonable location away from the living area.
Install carbon monoxide alarms: Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home and in your car, especially near bedrooms and in areas with potential sources of carbon monoxide. Test the alarm regularly to make sure it is in good working order.
Improve safety knowledge: Strengthen the learning of carbon monoxide poisoning prevention knowledge, understand the symptoms of poisoning, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, etc., and take immediate action once it appears.
Remember, knowledge is the best weapon against the fear of the unknown. By incorporating these precautions into your daily routine, you can not only protect yourself, but also save the lives of others when it matters most.
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