Can CO exposure cause brain damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was loading a running sports car that was low to the ground. I loaded four boxes into the trunk and kept my face about a foot away from the exhaust for about 30 to 45 seconds. I tried to hold my breath but was aware that I was very close to the tailpipe. Can someone get carbon monoxide toxicity from such an exposure? Because after this, I felt tired and lethargic, but that may be just from anxiety and the heat. I am aware of the CO levels that are necessary for potential poisoning, but I am unsure if car emissions outdoors can reach dangerous levels while near the exhaust. I have attempted to research this and have found that exhaust on newer cars can range from 100 to 10,000 ppm. If the CO levels are that high, a few breaths could cause poisoning. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The vehicle exhaust pipe releases many toxic gasses; among them, one such gas is CO (carbon monoxide). Imagine someone is staying in a locked room, and the CO is fully loaded in the room or exposed to the room continuously for many hours. This can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

On the other hand, you were exposed to the CO for a while, and that too in the open air (not in the closed room), so nothing to worry about. The CO is diluted or washed away with natural wind or breath. If the lung is filled with CO continuously, only then will the person go to the dangerous stage.

Short-term exposure can cause local or mild effects like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and drowsiness, and this will be reversible upon getting normal air (oxygen). Hence, you became normal as the CO exposure was below the toxic dose.

Kindly revert in case of queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Fortunately, you tried to prevent the entry of carbon monoxide (CO) into the lungs; that was a good act. In your case, I am sure that the symptoms are not related to CO but rather to psychological fear.

The excess CO exposure prevents oxygen transport and causes temporary symptoms, which are reversible. If the CO exposure is continued for many hours, then slowly the oxygen supply to the brain reduces, hence the patient gets drowsiness and also respiratory irritation symptoms. So, at this point, naturally, the breathing is activated to take in fresh air; hence, the person will not suffer permanent damage or death.

In case the entire environment is filled with CO (eg: in a locked room), it is only in this situation, that the patient will get permanent damage. In your situation, it is not likely to damage any permanent organs, including the brain.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.