What do experts say about 'sleeping in a car with the air conditioner on can cause suffocation'?

However, as an expert said, there have been people who died from sleeping in cars with the air conditioning on. So, you should never do this foolish thing, you can die in less than 1 hour, according to Gulf News (UAE).

At first glance, with the air conditioning on and the music playing, the car seems like the perfect place to take a nap.

Dr. Babu Shershad from First Medical Centre (Dubai, UAE) explains this clearly.

1. Why can sleeping in a car with the air conditioner on cause suffocation?

If the mechanical functions of the car are not up to standard, the possibility of car exhaust leaking into the car while sleeping can increase the risk of suffocation as it will reduce the oxygen level inside the car.

The main thing to watch out for, however, is the buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) that can result from leaks from the exhaust pipe.

CO is a toxic gas to the blood, increased CO levels in the car can actually reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, as CO binds to red blood cells and displaces oxygen.

This results in the blood carrying more CO, and lack of oxygen causing suffocation, eventually leading to shock or in severe cases death.

Even if a car has a properly functioning air conditioning system, air circulation in a small space can be affected. Even if air is circulating in and out of the car, it is still not enough for a person to breathe in an enclosed space, according to Gulf News.

Is it safe to roll down your car windows?

Another common misconception among many people is that rolling down the car windows will provide adequate ventilation in the car. Dr Shershad said: Even with the windows rolled down, carbon monoxide still accumulates at lower levels, which over time can reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood and cause the sleeper to lose water and body fluids, according to Gulf News.

Why can I stay awake in the car but not sleep?

The answer is that if you were awake, you would feel asphyxiation and take action. But when you are asleep, you will have a harder time recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning.

Doctors advise drivers to only sleep in their cars in case of emergency and to always take short breaks from driving for long periods.

2. How to know if you have CO poisoning?

Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning may include: Headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, coma, according to Says (Malaysia) newspaper citing the Malaysian Ministry of Health ,

The longer the gas is inhaled, the more severe the symptoms will be.

Furthermore, loss of consciousness can occur briefly if there is a lot of CO in the air.

A sober person can recognize these symptoms and take immediate action.

However, the danger of sleeping in a car is that the sleeper can die in his sleep from CO poisoning without showing any symptoms.

3. What can be done to prevent CO poisoning?

Because CO gas cannot be seen or smelled, it is best to avoid exposure in the first place.

CO gas binds to red blood cells and displaces oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood.

To protect yourself from CO poisoning, you should:

- Regularly check and observe your car's exhaust system. Leaks in the exhaust system can allow CO gas to enter the vehicle.

- Always have your car repaired, even after a minor accident. Any damage or holes in your car can allow more smoke to enter the car.

- Never run a car parked in an enclosed area. Even with a window or garage door open, CO gas can reach dangerous levels inside the car.

- Installing a CO detector in your car is the safest way.

Last and most importantly, of course, don't sleep in a car with the engine running and the air conditioning on, says Says.

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