Smoke inhalation injury , either by itself but more so in the presence of body surface burn , can result in severe lung-induced morbidity and mortality . The most common cause of death in burn centers is now respiratory failure . The September 11 attacks in 2001 and forest fires in U.S. states such as California and Nevada are examples of incidents that have caused smoke inhalation injury . Injury to the lungs and airways is not only due to deposition of fine particulate soot but also due to the gaseous components of smoke , which include phosgene , carbon monoxide , and sulfur dioxide
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Acute inhalation injury