5/18/2018 Exposure to Smoke from Fires
Exposure to Smoke from Fires
The smoke released by any type of fire (forest, brush, crop, structure, tires, waste or wood burning) is a
mixture of particles and chemicals produced by incomplete burning of carbon-containing materials. All
smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter (PM or soot). Smoke can contain
many different chemicals, including aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, metals and dioxins. The type and amount of
particles and chemicals in smoke varies depending on what is burning, how much oxygen is available, and
the burn temperature.
Exposure to high levels of smoke should be avoided. Individuals are advised to limit their physical exertion
if exposure to high levels of smoke cannot be avoided. Individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory
conditions (e.g., asthma), fetuses, infants, young children, and the elderly may be more vulnerable to the
health effects of smoke exposure.
Inhaling smoke for a short time can cause immediate (acute) effects. Smoke is irritating to the eyes, nose,
and throat, and its odor may be nauseating. Studies have shown that some people exposed to heavy smoke
have temporary changes in lung function, which makes breathing more difficult. Two of the major agents in
smoke that can cause health effects are carbon monoxide gas and very small particles (fine particles, or
PM2.5 ). These particles are two and one half (2.5) microns or less in size (25,400 microns equal an inch)
and individual particles are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Inhaling carbon monoxide decreases the body's oxygen supply. This can cause headaches, reduce alertness,
and aggravate a heart condition known as angina. Fine particles are able to travel deeply into the respiratory
tract, reaching the lungs. Inhaling fine particles can cause a variety of health effects, including respiratory
irritation and shortness of breath, and can worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
During increased physical exertion, cardiovascular effects can be worsened by exposure to carbon monoxide
and particulate matter. Once exposure stops, symptoms from inhaling carbon monoxide or fine particles
generally diminish, but may last for a couple of days.
Avoiding smoky situations is the best way to avoid exposure. If your age or health status places you at
greater risk from smoke exposure you should speak with your doctor about alternative steps you can take
when encountering smoky situations. Anyone with persisting or frequent symptoms that they think are
associated with smoke exposure should see their health care provider. Additional information on carbon
monoxide and fine particles can be found at the web addresses listed at the end of this fact sheet.
There is also the potential for chronic health effects from exposure to the components of smoke. Long term
exposure to ambient air containing fine particles has been associated with increases in cardiovascular disease
and mortality in populations living in areas with higher fine particulate air pollution. Frequent exposure to
smoke for brief periods may also cause long-term health effects. Firefighters, who are exposed frequently to
smoke, have been examined for long-term health effects (for example, cancer, lung disease, and
cardiovascular disease) of repeated smoke exposures. The findings from these studies are not consistent or
conclusive. Some studies show an increased frequency of these diseases among firefighters compared to
similar male reference populations (e.g., male policemen, white males in the general population), while
others do not.
When it is necessary to work in heavy smoke, use appropriate respiratory protection to reduce exposure to
the particles and gases in smoke. However, understand the limitations and cautions associated with respirator
use before you use one. Important information on respirators is available at the web address listed at the end
of this fact sheet.
Additional Information Sources
1. Federal Agencies
Respirator Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control
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5/18/2018 Exposure to Smoke from Fires
Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2. New York State Department of Health
What You Should Know about Fires
Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide
Fine Particles Q&A
Does Burning Trash Make it Disappear?
Secondhand Smoke - It Takes Your Breath Away
How to Use a Disposable Respirator
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