Anatomy of Fire Smoke

The make-up of smoke varies from fire to fire based on the composition of the burning materials, temperature, oxygen level and ventilation. However, smoke from most structure fires is composed of particulate matter as well as heated gasses including irritants (hydrochloric acid, ammonia, etc.), asphyxiates (carbon dioxide) and toxins (hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide). Smoke containing one or more of these components can injure a victim in a number of ways, including:

• Thermal Burns – The extreme temperatures of the gasses and particulate matter can cause burns in the upper airways.
• Airway Obstruction – Inhaling a large amount of particulate matter, such as dust or soot, may lead to airway obstruction.
• Respiratory Irritation – Certain irritant gases, such as ammonia, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and phosgene, damage the mucus in the airway, which can lead to bronchospasms, pneumonia or pulmonary edema.
• Asphyxiation – Simple asphyxiants, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, displace oxygen in the body, while chemical toxins, such as hydrogen cyanide, prevent cells from using oxygen, which can cause injury to major organs and possibly death if the oxygen is not replaced quickly.