Charcoal method failures?

[RoloTomasi]

I always thought, CO is the way to go. But I've been reading, and it looks like it's not as easy as it seems. I've read of several failed attempts, usually them ending up with a painful headache and other symptoms. While others were able to pull it off with very small amounts of charcoal, making it look so easy. I wonder what went wrong

 

[comfortablydumb]

I wonder what went wrong

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Variables. Ventilation matters. Individual bodies matter. CO is very deadly, but bad luck and/or incompetence can play in.

 

[Justanotherconsumer]

I don't think carbon monoxide is a bad method, the charcoal in a car didn't work for me though. If I remember right the gas settles to the lowest area, some tent deaths only occurred to occupants who were faced down. I think in my case the vehicles was just too large (suburban). I didn't tape up the vents although all were closed and don't let air in so I didn't see that it would matter. Maybe they are putting something in charcoal to absorb carbon monoxide? (I don't know). Years ago they used to say spray the coals with water to increase the ppm too 500,000 which was done. It was a very peaceful sleep after 12 beers and half a bottle of bourbon, no dreams. When I woke up in the morning some things were odd, the clock which never worked was working on the dash.

 

[Luke]

Maybe they are putting something in charcoal to absorb carbon monoxide?

I'd just like to add that this is not possible.

No type of charcoal will emit CO if there is enough air to burn it.
All types of charcoal will emit CO if there is not enough air.

What you are burning is irrelevant.

 

[RoloTomasi]

I'd just like to add that this is not possible.

No type of charcoal will emit CO if there is enough air to burn it.
All types of charcoal will emit CO if there is not enough air.

What you are burning is irrelevant.

Then it must be really the ventilation.

 

[RoloTomasi]

I don't think carbon monoxide is a bad method, the charcoal in a car didn't work for me though. If I remember right the gas settles to the lowest area, some tent deaths only occurred to occupants who were faced down. I think in my case the vehicles was just too large (suburban). I didn't tape up the vents although all were closed and don't let air in so I didn't see that it would matter. Maybe they are putting something in charcoal to absorb carbon monoxide? (I don't know). Years ago they used to say spray the coals with water to increase the ppm too 500,000 which was done. It was a very peaceful sleep after 12 beers and half a bottle of bourbon, no dreams. When I woke up in the morning some things were odd, the clock which never worked was working on the dash.

Its fortunate that you did not experience any lasting side effects.

 

[Luke]

Then it must be really the ventilation.

I have no idea because I'm lost when it comes to cars. However if you burn stuff in there and survived then somehow outside air came in.