Although it is commonly thought that the most dangerous part of a fire is the flames, smoke can also be extremely harmful. In fact, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in a fire: according to a recent report published by Fundación Mapfre and the Asociación Profesional de Técnicos de Bomberos, smoke inhalation caused 57% of fire-related fatalities in Spain in 2020, far exceeding burns (29%), trauma (9%), or other injuries (1%).
Taking advantage of the fact that April 28th is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we present this article to provide important details about smoke inhalation and solutions to avoid or reduce its effects.
What is smoke?
Smoke is actually hot vapor, but in a fire, it is usually accompanied by suspended particles and gases that are both irritating and asphyxiating, depending on the materials that have been burned. Many of these particles and gases can be toxic and pose a significant risk to humans (to varying degrees).
What are the effects of smoke inhalation on our health?
The smoke from a fire generates various effects on people, such as thermal damage from high temperatures, irritation of external elements (such as eyes, skin, or nose) due to toxic components in the environment, and other internal issues caused by smoke inhalation.
This inhalation can actually affect the internal functioning of the human body, causing significant respiratory problems due to irritation of the airways and lungs (such as bronchitis or asthma). But it can also cause cardiovascular problems: some particles are capable of penetrating deeply into the pulmonary airways and entering the bloodstream, affecting other organs.
The severity of smoke poisoning will depend on numerous factors. It will affect individuals more or less depending on whether the fire occurs in enclosed spaces, the victim’s history of respiratory diseases, or the level of toxicity of the substances produced by the combustion of materials. It will also depend on how long the victims were trapped in the fire: prolonged exposure to smoke can lower the oxygen levels available and cause fainting, convulsions, asphyxia, hypoxia, and even death.
How can we recognize when we are inhaling smoke? Are there any signs that can alert us?
Absolutely. There are several common symptoms of smoke poisoning that we should be aware of:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness or noisy breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue, confusion, and decreased reflexes
- Feeling faint
We must be able to recognize these signs so we can understand what is happening and seek a solution immediately (thus avoiding the more severe effects of smoke inhalation).
How can we avoid the effects of smoke poisoning?
When a fire occurs in any facility, there are a series of actions we can take to avoid inhaling smoke or at least reduce its effects. Among all the available advice, we highlight three main actions:
- Stay as low as possible, as smoke usually rises and consumes the oxygen at the top of the space first.
- Wet a piece of clothing and tie it around our head, covering the openings we breathe through.
- Always look for an open, ventilated area (and if trapped, at least look for a window through which we can breathe clean air).
But it is also essential to have a complete and robust fire plan in any facility that includes smoke control systems (such as proper detectors, smoke evacuation systems like vents or air inlets, and ventilation systems tailored to each space). Additionally, smoke curtains should be used in the most complex areas whenever necessary.
How can smoke curtains help prevent smoke inhalation?
Smoke curtains are textile barriers whose installation in any building can help to…
- Contain particles and gases in the area where the fire originated, preventing the smoke from spreading to other areas.
- Protect people in adjacent areas, preventing them from inhaling potentially dangerous vapors, particles, or gases.
- Improve visibility in areas near the controlled zone, allowing people to escape to the outside.
As we can see, their role is fundamental in preventing smoke inhalation poisoning. They also have the advantage of being adaptable and integrable into any type of space, providing protection in all kinds of installations. Smoke curtains can be a crucial solution in this area.
Would you like advice? Let’s talk.