Smoke is a suspension in air (aerosol) of small particles resulting from incomplete combustion of a fuel.

It is commonly an unwanted by-product of fires (including stoves and lamps) and fireplaces, but may also be used for pest control (fumigation), communication (smoke signals), defense (smoke-screen) or inhalation of tobacco or other drugs.

Smoke is sometimes used as a flavouring agent and preservative for various foodstuffs.

Smoke is also sometimes a component of internal combustion engine exhaust gas, particularly diesel exhaust. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires.

The smoke kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation caused by carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other combustion products.

For more information about the topic Smoke, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

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Inversion (meteorology) — A temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon in which air temperature increases with height for some distance above the ground, as opposed ...  > read more

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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