Carbon Monoxide
Frequently, after a day on the lake, we feel irritable, nauseous, or have a headache. We typically blame the sun, the wind, the beer, a hard fall, or simply exhaustion. We may be experiencing the subtle toxic effects of Carbon Monoxide. Engine exhaust and Carbon Monoxide are pulled into the back of the boat due to the Station Wagon Effect. Click here to see the “Station Wagon Effect” Video.
Children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or other lung condition are especially vulnerable.
Pregnant women need to be extra cautious because the developing fetus is particularly susceptible to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
If you are in a boat without FAE, sit at the front.
The Station Wagon Effect is aggravated by:
- Traveling slowly (Wake Surfing)
- A tailwind (a breeze from behind the boat)
- More weight in the rear of the boat (Wake Surfing)
The effects of Carbon Monoxide are cumulative; the longer your exposure, the greater the health risk. All pre-catalytic boats produce dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide; even boats with Ultra Low Emission engines. Also, we now know that Carbon Monoxide poisoning causes oxidative stress to the brain and can cause long term permanent damage.
This graph shows average Carbon Monoxide levels at slow boat speeds. The red lines represent a boat without Fresh Air Exhaust. Carbon Monoxide levels with a standard exhaust can exceed 1200 ppm; this level is lethal and can kill in moments. The short green lines represent the levels of Carbon Monoxide with Fresh Air Exhaust installed. This chart reflects testing performed by Fresh Air Exhaust and is congruent with the results established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).