PETROMORTIS.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14650, 2 March 1918, Page 2

PETROMORTIS.

EARNING TO MOTORISTS

According to the Portland Oregonian the recent death of- Nat Wills the widely-known tramp comedian, m his garage in a New Jersey town, has given interest to the menace of so-call-ed "Petromortis," and makes renewed warnings timely. The danger to users of automobiles is increased in winter by the cold weather, which impels a man to close doors and windows in his garage before starting his motor and beginning work. The subject has been regarded as bf sufficient importance to warrant the official attention of the United States Bureau of-Mines, whicn has made tests showing that no automobile engine should be operated 111 a small garage unless ample provision is made ior ventilation. There is grave danger after fifteen minutes where the ventilation is defective. The suffocation known to scientists as petromortis is caused by breathing carbon monoxide, which is colourless and odourless. Dangerous symptoms become apparent practically without warning, and collapse is likely to come immediately. Only speediest aid otters any hope of recovery. Tiie fumes usually are fatal if the point of collapse is reached. Various suggestions have been made by inventors to prevent fatalities from this cause. All consist of devices for carrying off the exhaust from the motor or facilitating ventilation. The automobile owner who- wants to be on the safe side, however, at the smallest cost, will open doors and windows,, even, ii the weather' is cold. This is a suro preventive, but the large, number of fatalities from this single cause - has shown chat the danger its not as' widely known as it ought to be.