AUTO GAS POISONING.

The New York Times
November 19, 1922

Motorists Warned of Danger From Carbon Monoxide.

A writer to The New York Times calls deserved attention to the marked difference in the danger from fumes of illuminating gas as contrasted with the automobile carbon monoxide gas.

"There is a vast difference," he says, "between illuminating gas and the escaping exhaust fumes from an automobile while the engine is running. Properly harnessed, escape from death is easy while using illuminating gas. As to the latter, no escape seems possible, even in the open air. There is an ever-present danger to operators of automobiles more particularly when closeted with their machines.

"The attention of the New York Board of Health has been called to the danger that exists from carbon monoxide gas, particularly to those who sit on low benches along pleasure drives. Examination by blood tests of pleasure-seekers who have suddenly become ill from unforeseen circumstances has proved that exhaust gases from passing automobiles are responsible for their condition. This may appear fishy, but is nevertheless a reality.

"The danger is materially increased when the Winter months naturally bring persons in close contact with the fumes while automobile engines are started in tightly closed garages, too often the result of carelessness on the part of those who have not been instructed in the peril of such a proceeding.

"The general public may be ignorant of the fact that, according to prominent medical authorities, the continued breathing of even extremely weak mixtures of carbon monoxide and air may cause injury to the kidneys, heart, brain and nerves. Automobile manufacturers are fully aware of this danger. It has been stated that the various organs of the body can be seriously affected by poisoning from breathing the air containing so small a quantity as 1-1,000 part of carbon monoxide.

"How many automobile owners know that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas? It is extremely poisonous, because it combines with the red coloring matter of the blood more readily than does oxygen. Exposure to as little as 5 per cent. causes headaches. The dangerous symptoms come without warning."