Why can sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on be fatal?
2 Answers
Sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on can be fatal due to the following reasons: 1. Oxygen deprivation: The air conditioning does not exchange air between the inside and outside of the car; it only exchanges heat. The limited oxygen in the enclosed space will be depleted. 2. Carbon monoxide poisoning: The enclosed space of the car prevents proper ventilation, causing carbon monoxide emitted by the prolonged running of the engine to accumulate inside the car. The driver's breathing consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, further reducing oxygen levels and leading to poisoning. Precautions for using air conditioning in a car include: 1. Choosing the appropriate air conditioning system; 2. Ensuring proper air circulation inside the car; 3. Directing the airflow downward; 4. Using the highest fan speed when possible; 5. Maintaining a certain level of humidity; 6. Keeping the interior clean; 7. Regularly cleaning the air filters.
I've seen too many accidents like this. As an experienced driver, I must remind everyone not to sleep in the car with the air conditioning on. When the car engine is running, it emits carbon monoxide, especially when parked in a garage or enclosed space, where exhaust fumes can silently leak into the car and accumulate. This stuff is like a slow poison, making you unknowingly lose oxygen and faint, never to wake up again. I had a friend who took a nap by the roadside with the engine running and never woke up. The reason is that the air conditioning system circulates old air and doesn't bring in fresh oxygen. Over time, the blood can't transport oxygen, which is very risky. Even outdoors isn't completely safe—if the car has exhaust issues or there's little wind, it's still dangerous. In short, it's better to rest in a ventilated outdoor area than to take the risk. For safety, I recommend developing the habit of getting out of the car to rest or installing a CO detector in the car as a precaution.
