Inhaling harmful gases

Smoke from fires contain different substances that are harmful to inhale. There doesn't have to be a fire for gases to be hazardous to your health.
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Brandman som pratar med kollegor vid brand.

Call 112 immediately if someone is having a hard time breathing or is unconscious.

If you have been exposed to dangerous fumes, you may experience

  • headaches,
  • nausea,
  • sore throat and nose
  • coughing or hoarseness
  • or difficulties to breathe.

If you have inhaled a potentially harmful gas and experience any of these symptoms, contact the healthcare.

Colour- and odourless   

Carbon monoxide is a colour- and odourless gas that is highly toxic. It can be produced by indoor fires such as propane or cooking gases and is also found in car exhaust fumes. If you breathe carbon monoxide, you may feel dizzy, tired, nauseous and lose consciousness. Breathing carbon monoxide can be fatal.

Make sure you have good ventilation if you are burning indoors. Never use diesel or gas stoves indoors if they are designed for outdoor use.

There are many different gases that can be dangerous to breathe, including those in cleaning products and wherever chlorine is used. 

Sources: Swedish Poisons Information Centre and the Swedish Healthcare guide 1177.