The Causes of Carbon Monoxide Exposure from Trucks
While many risks of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure stem from mechanical issues, there are a series of best practices regarding limiting CO exposure that should be considered when operating a motor vehicle.
In general, you should avoid:
- Operating a vehicle with a defective exhaust system.
- Operating a vehicle with a defective emission system or poorly tuned engine.
- Inadequately ventilated passenger compartments.
- Driving a vehicle with holes in the body.
- Warming up a vehicle in a garage, even with the outside garage door open.
- Using auxiliary, fuel-burning heaters inside the vehicle.
- Operating vehicles in a garage, carwash, or any enclosed building.
- Idling your vehicle with windows open, or parking near other idling vehicles.
Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), exhaust systems should discharge to the rear of the cab. No part of the exhaust system should leak or discharge forward of or directly below the driver/sleeper compartment.
Drivers should perform regular maintenance checks on their exhaust systems to make sure there are no leaks. If a leak is detected, it should be fixed before the driver’s next trip.
In addition to leaks from their own truck, exhaust fumes from other trucks can be dangerous to drivers. While parked at truck stops, drivers are near other trucks that may be idling or using auxiliary power units (APUs).
If drivers have their windows down while parked near idling trucks, there is a chance exhaust fumes will make their way into the cab. However, exhaust fumes can enter the interior of a vehicle even if windows and vents are closed.
Risks Specific to Defective Exhaust Systems
Even a correctly tuned gasoline engine will produce more than 30,000 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide in the exhaust stream before the catalytic converter.
Engines — whether diesel or gasoline — that are poorly maintained or defective can result in exhaust leaks.
- An exhaust leak can allow escape of carbon monoxide before it is converted to non-toxic CO2 in the catalytic converter.
- The carbon monoxide leaking from the exhaust system can enter the vehicle through holes in the body or open windows or doors.
NOTE: The catalytic converter is ineffective when there is insufficient oxygen in the area, which can occur in closed spaces like garages. Therefore, it is dangerous to leave your truck running in a garage, even if the garage is open.
If you are experiencing issues with carbon monoxide concerning your truck, you should immediately call a mechanic or service technician. If you suspect an issue, have your truck towed to the service garage to avoid exposure.
Your service technician can inspect your vehicle to diagnose and correct any problems due to faulty parts, improper maintenance, or other issues.
To learn more about the effects of CO poisoning, please review Understanding the Effects of Carbon Monoxide.
Using Carbon Monoxide Meters to Detect and Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels
The Sensorcon Inspector is a trusted tool used by service technicians and motor vehicle operators for detecting and identifying the source of carbon monoxide leaks.
The Sensorcon CO Inspector is a portable and reliable carbon monoxide meter (CO meter) that was designed in the USA and assembled in our manufacturing facility located in Buffalo, NY.
The CO meter provides you with real-time readings all the way from 0 to 2000 PPM and is used by professionals to monitor or inspect for carbon monoxide.
Trusted by automotive service technicians, police, fire fighters, emergency medical services (EMS), home inspectors, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, the Sensorcon CO Inspector is a great tool for monitoring for and diagnosing CO leaks in the home or workplace.
Please visit our product pages to learn more about our various product offerings.
