This article will explore the process of smoke inhalation; events preceding and effects following smoke inhalation. I will examine the dangers of smoke released in a fire and of smoking cigarettes; For example, what toxins and chemicals are released from burning materials. Carbon monoxide and hydrochloric acid are two of the toxins found in both smoke from burning materials in house fires and cigarettes. The paper also examines the short-term, long-term and permanent effects that occur in the body with different levels of exposure to smoke inhalation. Common effects of smoke inhalation include, but are not limited to, coughing, shortness of breath, and changes in mental status. Smoke inhalation is life-threatening in any fire; meanwhile cigarette smoking can have the same effect on tobacco users over time of continuous use. I will cover the treatment and outcomes of exposure to smoke inhalation and tobacco use, as well as possible ways to prevent injuries. The Effects of Smoke Inhalation and Cigarettes Smoke inhalation is the cause of 50-80% of fire deaths in the United States. A fire is not the only lethal factor in any fire; Burning materials release toxic byproducts into the air that can be as or more deadly than a fire. Fires heat the air in a room, this hot air can burn the lungs if inhaled. Burning plastic can release 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. The components of tobacco smoke include tar, carbon monoxide, free radicals, hydrogen cyanide and carcinogens. Smoking reduces lung function and can cause damage to numerous asphyxiants such as hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide; Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death from smoke inhalation. Smoke does not only contain toxic gases; also contains particles and vapors. The particles can vary in size, can enter the respiratory system and attach to the lungs; these particles can be toxic or irritating. The vapors contained in smoke can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of smoke inhalation include shortness of breath, cough, hoarseness or noisy breathing, sore eyes, soot headache, change in skin color, and altered mental status. A person exposed to smoke inhalation may have no breathing problems but experience nausea, vomiting, headache, and an altered mental status; these are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fainting, confusion, seizures and coma can be the result of smoke inhalation.