Why are Smoke and Soot from Fire Accidents Dangerous?

It is unwise to think that the soot and the smoke that linger after fire are not obstacles to re-entering the premises. Just because smoke and soot are not as terrifying as a ball of flame, one should not think that they cannot cause any damage. Unlike fire, smoke and soot can easily enter the human body via the mouth, nose and eyes, and they become dangerous because they are able to carry harmful toxins.

When something is on fire, like wood or plastic, it releases its chemicals, eventually contaminating the air. You might think that the simple act of inhaling and exhaling will rid the toxins from the body, but that is not always the case. When contaminated air enters through the nose, mouth, or eyes, it is not entirely expelled. Some of the chemicals attach themselves to the body and are then absorbed by it. They will then be carried through the blood stream and spread throughout the whole body. If there is minimal exposure to the damaged area, then the chances of being poisoned are quite slim. But too much exposure to these chemicals may bring negative health implications, and may lead to the following:

• Lung cancer
• Respiratory ailments
• Kidney Damage
• Liver Damage
• Death