Mask Vitality

Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death for victims of fires. The smoke inhalation kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation and swelling, caused by carbon monoxide, cyanide and other combustion products.

Smoke inhalation occurs when you breathe in the products of combustion during a fire. Combustion results from the rapid breakdown of a substance by heat (more commonly called burning). Smoke is a mixture of heated particles and gases. It is impossible to predict the exact composition of smoke produced by a fire. The products being burned, the temperature of the fire, and the amount of oxygen available to the fire all make a difference in the type of smoke produced.

Symptoms of smoke inhalation can include:

• Coughing and hoarseness
• Shortness of breath / difficulty breathing
• Headache, nausea, vomiting
• Confusion, fainting
• Soot in the nostrils or throat
• Burns in the mouth, throat, or nasal passages

Smoke inhalation damages the body through:

Thermal Injury: Hot smoke and gases can burn the airways and lungs, causing swelling and inflammation.

Chemical Injury: Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxic gases interfere with oxygen delivery and cellular respiration.

Particulate Matter: Small particles can lodge deep in the lungs, causing irritation and long-term damage.

Prevention is the most effective strategy. Key prevention measures include:

• Install and maintain smoke detectors on every floor
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them
• Use protective equipment like Mask Vitality for safe evacuation
• Never re-enter a burning building