The Dangers of Leaving a Car Running in the Garage
Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic gas released when a car is started.
Leaving a car running in the garage is extremely dangerous, and even sometimes fatal. It’s crucial for all drivers to understand exactly what happens when a car is started in an enclosed space, why it is so dangerous, and how to avoid fatal situations.
Carbon monoxide from your car
Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic gas released when a car is started. If an enclosed space, such as a garage, becomes filled with carbon monoxide it can be fatal to anyone who breathes in these fumes. Due to this acute danger, there have been changes in car design to slow the release of carbon monoxide; however, it remains a hazardous gas. Despite these changes, the car is still burning gas which means it is ultimately still producing Carbon Monoxide, just at a slower rate.
How long before it becomes dangerous
A paper by T.H. Greiner, Ph.D., P.E. states that running a car with a 5-horsepower engine in an enclosed 10,000 cubic foot room becomes fatal after just 7 minutes. 10,000 cubic feet is larger than the average garage, making this problem even more dangerous. From 1999-2010, alone, there were 5,149 deaths caused by unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States.
How carbon monoxide kills people
When there is a buildup of carbon monoxide in the air, it reduces the amount of oxygen that can get to the brain, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Worst of all, people do not notice until it’s too late. The first sensation people feel when they leave a car turned on in the garage is dizziness, but by the time they realize something is wrong, they can no longer move their body to get away and seek help. After this point, the situation is fatal.
Though extremely dangerous, basic precautions can protect homeowners from carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
First, never leave children alone in a car with the keys, as they could turn the car on while the driver is gone. Furthermore, all children should be informed of the dangers of turning a car on without an adult present so that this danger can be avoided altogether.
The easiest way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to always open the garage door before starting the car, as it is not uncommon to start the car and then leave it parked for several minutes in the garage. Some drivers start the car only to realize they forgot something inside the house while others start their car and then sit stationary while they use their phones. No matter the reason, it is an easy yet risky mistake to make. Opening the garage door before ever starting the car is the easiest way to avoid any catastrophe.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can easily happen by mistake, but can also easily be avoided through these precautions. Questions can be left in the comment section or can be directed to our professionals via phone.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
