Which toxic gas is commonly produced by fire?

The commonly produced toxic gas by fire is carbon monoxide. When materials combust, especially those that are carbon-based, carbon monoxide is formed as a byproduct due to insufficient oxygen. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and highly poisonous, posing a significant risk to firefighters and anyone exposed to high concentrations in a fire scenario.

While hydrogen cyanide, chlorine gas, and sulfur dioxide can also be present in specific fire situations, they are not as universally produced as carbon monoxide. Hydrogen cyanide is primarily associated with burning certain plastics and synthetic materials, while chlorine gas might be released from chlorinated compounds, and sulfur dioxide typically results from the combustion of materials containing sulfur, such as certain fuels. However, carbon monoxide is a more prevalent and immediate concern in the context of typical fire environments.