Can breathing in fire extinguisher hurt you

The most common material used dry chemical fire extinguishers is ammonium phosphate (with some ammonium sulfate). These agents can cause health effects associated with inhalation and include upper respiratory irritation with such symptoms as coughing or discomfort in the chest.

Nasal irritation and throat irritation such as a cough or discomfort in the chest are the result of breathing the powder or the dust. Those with medical conditions such as asthma may experience respiratory difficulty after exposure to dry compounds in fire extinguishers.

Is it Bad to Inhale Fire Extinguisher Residue Dust?

The dry chemical powder in standard ABC class fire extinguishers and others will irritate the respiratory system if it is inhaled making breathing difficult. Before you go calling an extremely expensive cleaning crew to come in and clean up the extinguishing powder, it would be helpful to know what type of fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the fire and what personal …

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Threats of Inhaling Fire Extinguisher Powder. Inhalation is among the most significant threats with fire extinguisher powder. It is very irritating to mucous membranes and might cause troubles with breathing if inhaled in large adequate quantities.

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What happens if you breathe in a fire extinguisher?

At 10 to 15 percent concentrations the effects include unconsciousness, drowsiness, dizziness and muscle twitching within a few minutes of exposure. Levels between 7 to 10 percent concentration cause: Fire extinguishers perform a necessary and life-saving function, but breathing the chemicals used may cause some health problems.

Are carbon dioxide fire extinguishers harmful to humans?

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers entered the market as an alternative to halon fire extinguishing systems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The health effects associated with carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems depend on the concentration. Carbon dioxide at 34 percent concentration is lethal.

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Can you inhale dust from a fire extinguisher?

Usually, in a little fire scenario where you would be using among the frequently seen extinguishers, there would not suffice dust to be inhaled. Nevertheless, if it does occur, you need to go to the healthcare facility. The dust may coat your lungs on the inside, which can prevent oxygen from reaching the rest of the body.

Are fire extinguishers safe to use?

To use a fire extinguisher safely, you should recognize the potential health effects of the fire fighting chemicals. Carbon dioxide at 34 percent concentration is lethal. At 10 to 15 percent concentrations the effects include unconsciousness, drowsiness, dizziness and muscle twitching within a few minutes of exposure.

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Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher

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