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Smoke Inhalation Can Be Prevented – Escape Fire Alive!



Smoke Inhalation is the primary cause of death as a result of fire. Specifically, 50%-80% of fire-related deaths are due to smoke inhalation as opposed to burns and injuries from falling debris. Toxic byproducts such as carbon monoxide and cyanide combine with thermal damage and pulmonary irritation to injure or kill the smoke inhalation victim.

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You have less than 60 seconds to escape a smoke filled environment before inflicting potentially serious damage to your health.

Safety Tip

All children should be familiar with the ideas of "crawling underneath the smoke" to escape a fire. "Stop, drop and roll" is another safety principle that must be ingrained into children's minds.

The only way to prevent smoke inhalation while evacuating a fire is to protect oneself from inhaling smoke and other toxic chemicals. One ideal method of protection is to have an escape mask which filters out smoke and toxic byproducts while protecting you from falling hot ash. A smoke detector only warns you of a fire – an escape mask actually protects you from smoke inhalation and allows you to evacuate.  

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The ASE30 Safe Escape Mask provides the user 30 minutes of breathable air and protects the head from falling hot ash. There is also a 60 minute version, the ASE60 Safe Escape Mask. The mask is produced with flame-resistant aluminum foil cloth, which will withstand temperatures of 1400°F, which protects the head from flame, thermal radiation and dropping dust from fire. It is also portable enough to take with when traveling. Also, many high-rises are installing these masks in evacuation routes to prevent tragic deaths such as in the October 2003 Cook County Administration Building fire in downtown Chicago where six died due to smoke inhalation. The ASE30 and ASE60 Safe Escape Masks are also available in wall-mountable hard-cases. They are highly visible and very easy to use.  

With this method of protection available, smoke inhalation deaths are totally preventable. Yet, many buildings and facilities do not yet have these masks in place. What will it take for this to become a standard piece of evacuation equipment worldwide? Most likely a tragedy or legislation will be required before you’ll begin seeing them everywhere.  

Take initiative to prevent fire and smoke inhalation. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home. Have a fire extinguisher on each level and an escape ladder in each second or third floor bedroom. Finally, have Safe Escape Masks for every member of the family. Also, encourage your workplace to keep safety equipment in proper working condition and to install Safe Escape Masks throughout the building or facility. With adequate prevention, proper fire protection, and evacuation equipment, such as Escape Ladders and Safe Escape Masks, everyone has a much better chance of escaping fire without injury.