How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning On The Road
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Have you ever been in traffic and the vehicle in front of you was releasing a toxic gas that made you feel sick? Or have you entered danfo and had to endure the fume coming from the driver’s side?
That is carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, and colorless gas that is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels. It is present in the fume a.k.a smoke that comes from vehicles. The effect of excessive exposure to carbon monoxide is often not realized till critical moments.
Excessive exposure to carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the body, causing poisoning. Thousands of Nigerians fall ill due to carbon monoxide yearly. It has also been linked to the death of hundreds of Nigerians.
In a normal functioning vehicle, carbon monoxide is meant to be passed through the exhaust. It will disappear safely afterward. When carbon monoxide begins to find its way into the car or is emanating from the exhaust excessively, there is a significant problem with the car.
These are three tips that will help you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle:
1. Service your engine
Servicing your engine is one of those maintenance protocols that vehicle owners ignore until it’s too late. Ask your mechanic to do routine checks to see if your engine is properly tuned. A faulty emission system is one of the most common triggers of carbon monoxide release in a vehicle.
2. A healthy exhaust
The exhaust is one of the most neglected parts of a car. Most vehicle owners overlook it, failing to notice when it is faulty. Hard impact with surfaces can cause cracks in a vehicle’s exhaust, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle. Have your mechanic check your exhaust intermittently.
3. Don’t run your vehicle in enclosed spaces like garages. The fume from the exhaust is trapped and circulates into the car instead of the air.
If you don’t own a vehicle but you find yourself directly in contact with a vehicle that is releasing carbon monoxide excessively, do not inhale it. Turn up the windows of the vehicle you’re in or cover your nose with a cloth till it subsides.
