Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas that is difficult to detect once exposure occurs. In recent years, with the growing popularity of private cars, incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning inside vehicles have become increasingly common. When an engine is idling, incomplete combustion of gasoline produces exhaust fumes containing large amounts of carbon monoxide. Because carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin much more strongly than oxygen does, once it enters the human body, most hemoglobin molecules will “prefer” to combine with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. As a result, oxygen delivery to tissues drops sharply.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning inside air-conditioned vehicles, car owners are reminded to observe the following precautions:

1. Avoid keeping the air conditioner running for long periods while the vehicle is stationary. Even while driving, it is advisable to open the windows periodically to allow air circulation between the inside and outside of the car.

2. Never nap or sleep in a parked car with the engine and air conditioner running. Doing so may cause unnoticeable carbon monoxide buildup and lead to poisoning.

3. If you feel dizzy, weak, or lightheaded while driving or riding in an air-conditioned car, open the windows immediately to get fresh air. If symptoms persist after ruling out motion sickness or other causes, consider the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Stop the car, step outside to rest in fresh air, and resume driving only after symptoms disappear.

4. If someone in the car is suspected of carbon monoxide poisoning, take immediate action.
Stop the vehicle, open all windows and doors, move the person to a well-ventilated and warm area, and lay them flat. Loosen their collar and belt to facilitate breathing.