Chapter 20: Problem 63

Why is it dangerous to idle a car's engine in a poorly ventilated place, such as the garage?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Idling a car's engine in a poorly ventilated place, such as a garage, is dangerous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide, a harmful, odorless, and colorless gas emitted from the car’s exhaust. In a poorly ventilated area, it can quickly reach lethal levels. When inhaled, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death as it prevents the blood from transporting oxygen to vital body organs.

Step by step solution

Understanding Car's Exhaust System

A car's engine functions through the process of internal combustion, where fuel and air are mixed and ignited to move the pistons. This process produces exhaust gases which are expelled out of the car's tailpipe.

Identification of harmful gases

Among these exhaust gases, one of the most harmful is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Understanding the effect of poor ventilation

In a poorly ventilated place, such as a garage, these harmful gases particularly carbon monoxide, can build up to high concentrations. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it can quickly reach dangerous levels without being noticed.

understanding the effect on humans

When inhaled, carbon monoxide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to vital organs including the brain and heart, leading to unconsciousness, brain damage and even death.

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Why is it dangerous to idle a car's engine in a poorly ventilated place, such as the garage?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Car's Exhaust System

Identification of harmful gases

Understanding the effect of poor ventilation

understanding the effect on humans

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