Toxicity of Particulate Matter Associated with Combustion Processes

Most of the concern for the toxicity of the atmospheres associated with fires has focused on vapors and gases. Vapors and gases are the components that are known to cause acute toxicity, and at high concentrations can lead to incapacitation and death. It is clear, however, that the smokes from fires also have particulate components in the form of soot and chemical reaction products, such as metallic oxides or ozonolysis products. The toxicity of these materials must also be considered.