Smoke is produced when various materials undergo combustion, which can occur in a wide range of situations, from everyday activities like cooking to larger-scale events such as wildfires or industrial accidents. The inhalation of smoke can be particularly hazardous, as it sometimes contains asphyxiating gases that can be harmful or even fatal to those exposed. Smoke is primarily composed of carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that is both odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without proper equipment. The substances released by smoke are highly toxic, posing serious risks to the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to a variety of health issues, including respiratory distress, long-term lung damage, and in severe cases, death.
What are the consequences of inhaling smoke?
The symptoms you may experience are varied:
- Dizziness, headaches or nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Respiratory irritation
- Bronchitis, bronchiolitis and asthma risks
- Trachea or lung lesions
- Mouth and throat burns.
If a person has inhaled a significant amount of smoke, it is important to carry out a diagnosis, which can be :
- Clinical examination
- Chest X-ray and/or blood tests
- A bronchoscope examination of the lungs.
In the event of smoke poisoning, even if symptoms are mild, it’s best to consult a doctor. In fact, some symptoms only appear after a certain period of time. If an individual experiences even mild symptoms, it is important to make a diagnosis.
How to limit the risk of smoke inhalation?
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are most at risk from smoke inhalation. To avoid the risk of intoxication, it is necessary to take various actions to detect smoke:
- Regularly check electrical equipment and installations
- Sweep the chimney at least once a year
- Avoid smoking indoors
- Install an Autonomous Smoke Detector (ASD).
There are many small tasks to be carried out to detect smoke and avoid the risk of fire. These will help limit accidents in your home. What’s more, installing a smoke detector will ensure the safety of your home. The product triggers an alarm in the event of smoke.