What do smoke particles include?

Smoke particles are a complex mixture that includes unburned, partially burned, and completely burned substances. When materials combust, they do not all burn completely; this incomplete combustion results in a variety of particles being released into the air.

Unburned substances can include microscopic particles from the original fuel that did not undergo combustion due to insufficient heat or oxygen. Partially burned substances are those that have experienced some level of combustion, resulting in chemical changes but not fully oxidized into gases. Additionally, completely burned substances refer to materials that have fully combusted and converted primarily into gaseous forms, but they still contribute to the overall smoke composition depending on the materials burned.

This comprehensive understanding of smoke composition is particularly crucial for firefighters and hazardous materials responders, as it influences decisions regarding air quality, protective gear, and mitigation strategies during firefighting operations.