When carbon monoxide is present it passes through the bloodstream easier than oxygen. This results in a shortage of oxygen necessary to maintain cells. If the cells affected are vital to survival, the result can be death. Greiner said those who commit suicide due to carbon monoxide poisoning with their cars take in large amounts in a short time and may develop a bright, cherry red coloring because of this. Most people who suffer from the poisoning breathe it in at home where it takes hours to build up.
Car engines are a major source of carbon monoxide, especially when they first start up.
He suggested that people should open the garage door prior to starting the car and immediately drive out once the car has started. He said carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. More than 13,000 cases are reported every year to the poison control centers across the nation. He said it has been estimated that carbon monoxide poisons four to five million people worldwide every year. Greiner said educating heating contractors is important because they fix in furnaces and water heaters.