The idea of motorhome gas attacks, where intruders allegedly use gas to knock out occupants before robbing them, has been a topic of debate and urban legend for years. There are several factors to consider when assessing the plausibility of such a scenario:
1. Type of Gas: To render people unconscious, the gas used would need to be a potent anesthetic, such as those used in medical settings (e.g., halothane, isoflurane). Commonly available gases like carbon monoxide are dangerous but do not cause immediate unconsciousness and would more likely lead to illness or death.
2. Delivery Method: Successfully delivering and maintaining an effective concentration of anesthetic gas in a motorhome without the occupants noticing is challenging. Motorhomes are not airtight, and the gas would likely dissipate quickly.
3. Dosage Control: Administering the correct dosage is crucial. Too little might not have any effect, while too much could be fatal. Anesthetic gases require careful control and monitoring, which is difficult to achieve in a non-clinical setting.
4. Evidence and Reports: Despite numerous anecdotal reports, there is a lack of concrete evidence or confirmed cases of such attacks. Law enforcement agencies and experts have generally found no credible proof of motorhome gas attacks being a common or feasible crime method.
5. Risk to Perpetrators: The perpetrators would also be at risk of exposure to the gas, making it a dangerous method for them as well.
Overall, while theoretically possible under very controlled conditions, the practical implementation of a gas attack in a motorhome is highly improbable. Most reports of such incidents likely stem from other causes or misinterpretations of symptoms and events.