When a fire burns, it doesn’t just create heat and flames—it also creates smoke. Breathing in that smoke can be very dangerous. This is called smoke inhalation, and it can cause serious problems to your lungs, blood, and body. Even small amounts of smoke can hurt your respiratory system and lead to health risks.
Whether the fire is from a wildfire, cooking accident, or burning plastic, the smoke that rises contains harmful things. These tiny pieces, called particulates, as well as gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine, can go deep into your lungs and bloodstream. They hurt your cells, reduce your oxygen, and can even cause death if you’re not careful.
Let’s look at what smoke inhalation is, what risks it brings, and how to stay safe.
Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.
Smoke inhalation happens when you breathe in smoke during a fire. This smoke is made of toxic gases, chemicals, and very tiny pieces of matter like soot. These can harm your lungs, nose, throat, and even your eyes and skin.
Your respiratory tract is like a tunnel that brings air from your nose and mouth to your lungs. When smoke enters, it can cause irritation, inflammation, or even edema (swelling). This makes it hard to breathe.
Smoke is full of harmful things:
Carbon monoxide – A poisonous gas that takes oxygen away from your blood cells
Cyanide and cyanide poisoning – Found in burned plastic or fabrics
Hydrogen chloride, ammonia, and chlorine – Gases that can burn your tissue
Particulates – Tiny pieces of ash or soot that hurt your lungs
Sulfur dioxide – A gas that makes you wheeze and cough
Carbon dioxide – Reduces the amount of oxygen you breathe in
Breathing these can poison your blood, damage your lungs, and lower your oxygen levels—a condition called hypoxia.
Smoke can damage many parts of your body:
Lungs: Smoke burns and swells the trachea (windpipe) and lungs. It makes it hard to breathe and can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Blood: Smoke fills your blood with carbon monoxide, which stops oxygen from reaching your cells.
Skin: You may feel pain, burns, or see changes in skin color.
Heart: Lack of oxygen can make your heart rate go up and cause damage.
Brain: You might feel confused, get a headache, or even fall into a coma.
All of this is why smoke inhalation is a health emergency.
If someone has breathed in smoke, they may show these signs:
Shortness of breath
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Coughing up black mucus
Pain or tightness in the chest
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or confusion
Headache
Red or watery eyes
Burns on the face, nose, or mouth
Trouble talking or loud breathing
These signs mean the person needs first aid and medical attention right away.
In the emergency department, doctors use special tests:
Pulse oximetry – Checks how much oxygen is in your blood
Blood gas test – Looks at oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in your blood
Carboxyhemoglobin test – Measures carbon monoxide in your blood cells
Arterial blood gas test – A deeper test of your blood’s oxygen
Bronchoscopy – A camera is used to look inside your lungs
Blood test – Checks for toxicity or poison in your body
Treatment depends on how serious the injury is:
Oxygen therapy – Pure oxygen helps clean the carbon monoxide from your blood
Inhalers or medication – Help reduce inflammation and open airways
Ventilators – Machines that help you breathe if your lungs are too hurt
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – May be needed in severe asphyxia cases
Fluids and nursing care – Keep you hydrated and watched closely
In some cases, doctors use respirators, HEPA filters, and air conditioning to give clean air to patients.
Some people are more likely to get hurt by smoke:
Children
Older adults
People with asthma
People with bronchitis or chronic kidney disease
Firefighters or workers near pollution
People living near wildfires
These people need to be extra careful around smoke or during fires.
Even if you feel better after smoke exposure, problems can still happen:
Lung cancer
Asthma or worse wheezing
Chronic bronchitis
Eye or throat irritation
Lung tissue damage
Less oxygen in your blood
Long-term effects may need continued therapy, medication, or health care checks.
To lower your risk, here’s what to do:
Wear a mask like a surgical mask or respirator during fires
Use air conditioning and keep windows shut during wildfires
Avoid areas with heavy air pollution
Install smoke detectors at home
Never leave food cooking alone—it can cause a fire
Keep kids and pets away from combustion sources
Use a HEPA filter inside your home
Stay inside during ozone alerts
If you live in a wildfire zone, make a safety plan and pack an emergency bag.
Call for help if someone:
Has trouble breathing
Looks confused or very sleepy
Has burns or soot on the face
Has a fast heart rate
Is coughing up black or bloody mucus
Has a headache that won’t go away
Is throwing up or feels dizzy
Get them to the emergency department right away.
Yes. Breathing in air pollution, ozone, or smoke from faraway wildfires can still cause respiratory problems and damage your lungs.
Leave the smoky area. Take deep breaths of fresh air, drink water, and go to the emergency department if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or sick.
Mild cases can take a few days. Serious injury may take weeks or months and might need oxygen therapy, medication, or regular health care visits.
Yes. It can lead to lung disease, asthma, or even lung cancer. Some people may have lifelong breathing problems.
Stay away from fires, use air filters, wear a mask, and avoid heavy pollution. Protect your home with smoke alarms and keep escape plans ready.
Smoke inhalation is a serious danger, even if you don’t see flames. It can hurt your lungs, blood, and brain, and may cause long-term health issues. Learning about smoke inhalation risks and how to protect yourself helps you and your family stay safe. Always act fast and get medical attention when needed.
Visit your nearby local emergency responder or contact us today for more information.
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Tustin, CA 92780
