What is the most hazardous part of smoke?

The most hazardous part of smoke is carbon monoxide. This gas is particularly dangerous because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized equipment. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood over 200 times more effectively than oxygen does, which inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and tissues. This can lead to symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness and death in high concentrations.

While soot particles, hydrogen cyanide, and formaldehyde are also harmful components of smoke, carbon monoxide poses an immediate and significant threat due to its prevalence in smoke from various materials and its ability to cause rapid harm without the individual being aware of its presence. The potential for carbon monoxide to affect survivability in smoke-filled environments underscores its status as the most hazardous aspect of smoke inhalation during firefighting and emergency situations.