Why can sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on be fatal?
2 Answers
The cause of death is not related to the air conditioning. It is caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust. Because traditional fuel-powered vehicles must turn on the engine to operate the air conditioning, and when the engine is running while the vehicle is stationary, there is minimal air convection, causing the engine exhaust to accumulate around the vehicle. The internal air circulation mode recirculates the air inside the car. If the car is not well sealed, exhaust gases can enter the cabin. As oxygen is consumed, the levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide inside the car will gradually increase, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Below are some precautions for sleeping in a parked car: 1. Parking location: First, choose an open, spacious, and well-ventilated area to park the car, with the front of the car facing the wind direction so that the exhaust is blown away. Avoid parking in poorly ventilated areas such as enclosed parking lots or small indoor spaces. 2. Switch from internal to external air circulation: Do not keep the internal air circulation mode on for too long, as the air inside the car will gradually deplete, and carbon monoxide levels will rise, leading to poisoning and potentially death. 3. Keep the windows slightly open: Leave a gap of 2CM to 3CM. The more windows you open, the better, but avoid opening them too wide to prevent unwanted individuals or other unexpected situations. If the car has a sunroof, it’s best to open it slightly to enhance ventilation and air exchange, which helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning.
I've been working at a car dealership and noticed many people sleep in their cars with the AC on, thinking it's comfortable, but it's actually very dangerous. The main reason is that carbon monoxide gas produced by the running engine can seep into the cabin from underneath the car. This gas is colorless and odorless, and excessive inhalation can lead to poisoning. In enclosed spaces, such as garages or closed parking lots, carbon monoxide levels rise rapidly. It binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport, which can cause hypoxia, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, coma or even death. I've seen real cases where car owners forgot to turn off the engine while resting in the car, resulting in tragedy. Safety first! It's strongly advised not to do this in enclosed environments. When resting in a parked car, crack the windows for ventilation or find an open outdoor space to avoid risks.
