What type of poisoning is most commonly associated with fires?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most commonly associated poisoning with fires due to the combustion process that occurs when materials burn. During a fire, various organic compounds can be incomplete combusted, leading to the production of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be extremely toxic.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more effectively than oxygen does. This reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and tissues, which can lead to symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness or even death, depending on the level and duration of exposure.

In living environments subjected to smoke and fire, the presence of carbon monoxide is a significant risk, often surpassing other forms of poisoning which may not be as prevalent in such scenarios. Other poisons associated with accidents, such as lead or chlorine, are less likely to be encountered in a fire setting compared to carbon monoxide. Additionally, although carbon dioxide is produced in large amounts during combustion, it is not considered toxic at the concentrations typically found in fires, particularly compared to the dangers posed by carbon monoxide.