Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that takes the place of oxygen in the bloodstream and as a result, suffocates the body. CO can remain in the garage and seep through the house for hours, it can also enter moving cars through leaks in exhaust systems, and as a result the driver's coordination, judgment, and reaction time can all be affected.
CO poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, shortness of breath and symptoms often mimic the flu, which can cause a misdiagnosis. CO poisoning can cause permanent damage such as long-term neurological damage such as sensory abnormalities, personality changes, memory deficits, impaired judgment, poor concentration, and other intellectual disabilities.
Make sure your car is regularly serviced to lower the fume admittance. Seal any doors or windows that connect the house to the garage to minimise the fumes that leak into the house. Keep the garage well ventilated and don't leave your car idling in the garage or near the house.
If you keep driving a car that is emitting large volumes of exhaust fumes you may find that the fumes are remaining for hours in the garage and can potentially leak into the house if it is connected to the garage. You are also infecting other drivers on the road. These fumes can cause serious long-term neurological damage.
If you leave your car to idle in the driveway you are maximising the risk of toxic fumes remaining in the garage and leaking into the house, especially if the car isn't serviced regularly. This can cause long-term neurological damage and serious intellectual impairments.
