INHALATION  INJURY

Smoke inhalation injury is mediated by inhaled toxic gases and carbonaceous particles (soot).

Carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity include those exposed to smoke from burning hydrocarbons (e.g., vehicle or generator exhaust) or cellulose-containing materials (wood, paper, charcoal).

Cyanide is encountered in fires involving certain nitrogen-containing materials such as polyurethane. Initial symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, and anxiety.

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a byproduct of standard fire-suppression systems. Exposure to HF may result in rapidly progressive or fatal respiratory failure despite minimal external evidence of injury. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, hypoxia, and hypocalcemia; there must be a high level of suspicion for HF inhalation.10

Refer to the Inhalation Injury and Toxic Industrial Chemical Exposure CPG for additional information.4