Attention, car owners! Sleeping in the car with the air conditioner on can cause this "invisible killer"

When the weather is cold, do you have the habit of resting in a closed car with the air conditioner on? Little do you know that this behavior hides huge safety hazards and is likely to lead to carbon monoxide poisoning .

On the fourth day of the Chinese New Year, the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Changde Second People's Hospital admitted a patient named Ms. Ren. She developed symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness in her limbs after sleeping in her car with the air conditioner on. She called 120 and came to the hospital's emergency room for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

1. What is carbon monoxide poisoning in a car?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas known as the "invisible killer." When a car engine is running, it will produce carbon monoxide even if it is parked.

If the car windows are closed and the air conditioner is in internal circulation mode at this time, carbon monoxide will gradually accumulate in the car, and the concentration will continue to increase, causing poisoning to the people in the car.

2. The main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in cars

1. Incomplete engine combustion

When the vehicle engine is running at idle speed, the gasoline is not burned completely, and a large amount of carbon monoxide is produced. Especially in a closed environment, carbon monoxide cannot be discharged in time, resulting in increased concentration, which can easily cause poisoning.

2. Improper use of air conditioning internal circulation

Using the air conditioner's internal circulation mode for a long time will cause poor air circulation in the car, carbon monoxide cannot be discharged in time, and the concentration will gradually increase.

3. Vehicle exhaust leakage

There is a problem with the vehicle's exhaust system, causing carbon monoxide to leak into the car, increasing the risk of poisoning.

4. Burning items in the car

Smoking or burning other items in a car will produce carbon monoxide, and the concentration will rise rapidly, especially in an enclosed space.

5. Improper parking location

Vehicles parked in poorly ventilated areas, such as underground parking lots or tunnels, can easily lead to accumulation of carbon monoxide.

6. Vehicle design defects

Some vehicles have design flaws that may cause carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle.

3. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in the car

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are related to the degree of poisoning. Mild poisoning may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc., while severe poisoning may cause confusion, coma, and even death.

4. How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the car?

1. Avoid sleeping in the car with the air conditioner on for a long time

This is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your car.

2. Choose a well-ventilated place when parking

Avoid parking for long periods of time in places with poor air circulation, such as underground parking lots.

3. Leave gaps in the car windows to keep the air flowing

Even if the air conditioner is turned on, you should leave a gap in the car window to maintain air circulation in the car.

4. Check the car exhaust system regularly

Prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into the car due to exhaust pipe damage.

5. What should I do if carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in the car?

1. Open the car windows for ventilation immediately

If you find someone showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, open all car windows immediately to maintain air circulation.

2. Quickly evacuate the poisoned environment

Move the poisoned person to a place with fresh air, loosen his collar and keep him breathing freely.

3. Call emergency number

Call 120 emergency number immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

Changde Second People's Hospital kindly reminds you: Carbon monoxide poisoning in a car is a preventable accident. Improving safety awareness and avoiding sleeping in a car with the air conditioner on for a long time are the keys to protecting your own safety. If you need to rest in the car, please keep the windows open for ventilation and pay attention to your physical condition. If you feel unwell, evacuate immediately and seek help.

Please remember: life safety is no small matter, never ignore potential dangers for the sake of temporary comfort.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Liu Rong, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changde Second People's Hospital

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(Edited by ZS)