What poisonous gas comes from the exhaust of a vehicle?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fuel in internal combustion engines. When gasoline or diesel is burned in a vehicle's engine, it can produce carbon monoxide along with other gases. Since carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood more easily than oxygen does, exposure to this gas can lead to a reduction in oxygen delivery throughout the body, potentially causing serious health issues or even death in high concentrations.

In contrast, argon is an inert gas that is not produced as a result of combustion, while carbon dioxide is a normal product of complete combustion and is less toxic than carbon monoxide. Nitrogen constitutes a significant portion of the atmosphere but is not a harmful byproduct of vehicle exhaust. The focus on carbon monoxide is crucial for understanding vehicle emissions and the importance of proper ventilation and exhaust systems in automotive design to minimize health risks associated with this toxic gas.