Though today’s vehicles are cleaner than ever before, the stuff coming from the tailpipe is still rather nasty. Carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust emissions have decreased dramatically, but they have not been eliminated.
Carbon monoxide, which displaces oxygen in the body’s bloodstream, is poisonous and insidious. It is tasteless, odorless and colorless.
In an automobile, it results from incomplete combustion. An engine is not very efficient at using fuel, even when it is running in top condition.
When an engine is cold, carbon monoxide emissions can run as high as 5 to 6 percent. Even after the engine warms up, the CO emissions can be just under 1 percent, depending on the state of the engine tune. And a bad spark plug or fuel injector that is missing its beat can cause emissions to soar. Even the catalytic converter, which can approach 100 percent efficiency, cannot eliminate CO.
Leaks anywhere in the exhaust system can allow poisonous gasses to enter the passenger compartment. And leaks under the hood are among the worst because, carbon monoxide can be drawn into the interior through the fresh-air intakes near the bottom of the windshield. This is more of a danger when the windows are closed.
You can do a preliminary check of your exhaust system in your driveway, but for peace of mind, have a professional give your vehicle a thorough once-over while it is on the hoist.
To do your preliminary check, start the engine and let it idle. Then, hold a heavy rag over the tailpipe outlet. We also suggest wearing a heavy glove to avoid burning your hand. You should have trouble keeping the tailpipe sealed with the rag if the system is sound. If you hear hissing or putting sounds coming from under the car, there probably is a leak.
Though you may be able to see rusted-through pipes or mufflers, it is much easier for your mechanic to spot problems from under the car. Even if the pipes look solid, he will use large pliers to squeeze the pipes. They may deflect a bit, but should not crumble. He also will be able to spot the signs of leaks such as black carbon tracks at pipe unions. And he may thump the muffler to listen for internally rusted portions.
With the car on the hoist, the mechanic should look for leaks in the body through which exhaust gasses could enter the cabin.
If there are any problems with your vehicle’s exhaust system, have them fixed right away because you are gambling with your life if you ignore them. Carbon monoxide is 200 times more aggressive in attaching itself to red blood cells than oxygen.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that 10,000 Americans are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Effects include illness, brain damage and heart damage. JAMA also reports that an estimated 1,500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
You have no idea you are breathing the stuff until you begin to feel the effects. Often, that is too late if you are not alert to the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The symptoms of CO poisoning can vary based on the exposure level, how long you have been exposed and your general health. Generally, the first signs of poisoning are headache, dizziness and nausea or flu-like symptoms. The symptoms are so similar that many people ignore the possible source and blame their illness on the flu. So, they may not think to get the much-needed fresh air.
Like radioactive waste, the time it takes to purge carbon monoxide from the hemoglobulin in your bloodstream is measured in “half-life.” Carbon monoxide’s half-life is roughly five hours. That means it takes five hours for half of the carbon monoxide to be removed. It takes another five hours for half of the remainder to go. It takes another five hours for half of this remainder to go. And so on. In other words, it takes your body a long time to return to normal.
The concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is measured in parts per million (PPM). The higher the concentration, the faster CO can do its damage. Here are some general guidelines:
Concentration in PPM Time Symptoms from exposure
50 (OSHA’s maximum exposure 8 hours Usually none to
level in the workplace.) possible mild headache.
200 PPM (OSHA’s maximum Mild headache, nausea,
exposure in 15 minutes.) 2-3 hours dizziness, low energy.
400 PPM 1-2 hours Serious headache and nausea.
Very dizzy and disoriented.
Serious fatigue. Life
threatening after 3 hours.
800 PPM 45 minutes Extreme dizziness and nausea.
Convulsions. Will become
unconscious within 2 hours.
Death in less than 2-3 hours.
1,600 PPM 20 minutes Same as above. Death in less
than 1 hour.
3,200 PPM 5-10 minutes Same as above. Death in less
than 1 hour.
6,400 PPM 1-2 minutes Same as above. Death in less
than one-half hour.
12,800 PPM 1-3 minutes Death
%% ———-
To our readers: Motormouth Take 2 is moving. Beginning Jan. 8 look for it in Cars every Monday, which will join Transportation on Sunday and Cars on Thursday. %%
