It entirely depends on the car, the height of the room, and what you
mean by "fill".
Carbon monoxide is not detectable by odor and headache should be taken
as a warning that a dangerous concentration is being inhaled. In
sudden exposures to high concentrations, weakness and dizziness may be
the only symptoms preceding collapse. The amount of carboxyhemoglobin
formed in the blood is dependent on concentration and duration of
exposure, ambient temperature, physical exertion, health, and
individual metabolism. Symptoms are usually not noticeable until the
carboxyhemoglobin level reaches 10%. At 10-40%, symptoms may include
increasingly severe headache, dyspnea on exertion, decreased manual
dexterity, impaired judgement and memory, irritability, emotional
instability, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, nausea,
vomiting, palpitations, and impaired vision and hearing. With
continuing exposure, there is a progressive worsening of all symptoms.
At 40-60%, anginal pain, incoordination, hallucinations, lethargy,
syncope and collapse, and increased respiration and pulse may occur.
At 60-80% there may be decreased respiration, blood pressure and
pulse, and deepening coma with intermittent convulsions and
incontinence of urine and feces. Rarely, there may be a pink or red
skin discoloration, but cyanosis or pallor is more common. Other
reported signs and symptoms include increased temperature, dilated
pupils, perspiration, muscle spasms, hyperreflexia, aching limbs, and
retinal hemorrhage or venous engorgement. Above 70-80%, rapid death
from respiratory or cardiac arrest usually occurs. Death may also be
caused by myocardial or cerebral infarction. Cerebral edema may also
occur. In non-fatal cases or when death is not immediate, primary or
secondary effects of tissue hypoxia and some atypical reactions may
develop.
More than likely, somebody exposed to CO in said situation will get a
headache, get dizzy, then possibly faint. If not treated soon (and
for instance if the car is not turned off) the CO levels will continue
to rise ultimately leading to fatal carboxyhemoglobin levels. |
