Smoke 26
Smoke 26 : The vaporous matter resulting from some forms of combustion and made visible by minute particles of carbon suspended in the vapor. In chemistry, suspension of solid particles in gas. Under the usual conditions of insufficient oxygen for complete combustion, there may also be present methane, methanol, formaldehyde, and formic and acetic acids. The combination of the combustible, rate of heating, oxygen concentration at or near the combustible surface, along with temperatures, usually determines the composition of fire gases and the resulting smoke, if any. The color of the smoke may vary with the composition of the combustibles and by ventilation or application of water. Smoke particles may cool to the extent where water vapor, acids, and residues of the combustibles involved may be identified if recovered from areas such as windows or other surfaces. It is, of course, well established that moisture-laden particles, if inhaled, may carry highly poisonous or irritating compounds into the respiratory tract and eyes. If allowed to accumulate in a building, hot unburned products of combustion will ignite explosively when a supply of oxygen is suddenly made available. See: Flashover. Some firemen and investigators call this phenomenon a smoke explosion. This is one of the prime reasons why firemen vent fires, usually by opening windows, doors, or by cutting holes in the roof
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