Smoke Inhalation Essay

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This paper will be exploring the process of smoke inhalation; the events leading up to and the effects after the smoke has been inhaled. I will go over the dangers of smoke released in a fire as well as smoke from cigarettes; Such as what toxins and chemicals are released from the burning materials. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride are two of the toxins found in both smoke from burning materials in home fires and cigarettes. The paper also reviews the short term, long term and permanent effects that occur to the body with different levels of exposure to smoke inhalation. Common effects of smoke inhalation include but are not limited to cough, shortness of breath, changes in mental status. Smoke inhalation is life threatening in any fire; meanwhile cigarette smoke can have the same effect on tobacco users over time of continuous use. I will cover the treatment and outcome of exposure to smoke inhalation and tobacco use as well as possible ways to prevent injuries. The Effects of Smoke Inhalation and Cigaretts Smoke inhalation is the cause of 50-80% of fire deaths in the United States. A fire is not the only killing factor in any fire; burning materials release toxic byproducts into the air which can be just as or more deadly than a fire. Fires heat up the air in a room, this hot air can burn the lungs if inhaled. The burning of plastics can released byproducts such as hydrogen cyanide and phosgene which at high levels can cause pulmonary edema and death. These conditions may not be ideal for anyone but some people choose to ingest smoke willingly. Components of tobacco smoke include tar, carbon monoxide, free radicals, hydrogen cyanide and carcinogenics. Smoking reduces lung functions and can cause damage to numerous... ... middle of paper ... ...cal asphyxiants include hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide; carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death in smoke inhalation. Smoke not only contains toxic gases; it also contains particles and vapors. Particles can range in size, they can penetrate the respiratory system and stick in the lungs; these particles can be toxic or irritants. The vapors in smoke can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of smoke inhalation include shortness of breath, cough, hoarseness or noisy breathing, irritated eyes, headache soot, change in skin color and an altered mental status. Someone exposed to smoke inhalation may have no respiratory problems but will have nausea, vomiting, headaches and an altered mental status; these are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fainting, confusion, seizures and coma can be results of smoke inhalation.

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