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A large recycling facility fire in Dayton, Texas sent heavy smoke into the air Tuesday night, prompting emergency officials to order residents to shelter in place. Reports indicate the fire started around 7 p.m. Tuesday and was largely controlled by early Wednesday morning, when the shelter-in-place order was lifted.
News coverage described the fire’s fuel load as large piles of household appliances and scrap material—items that can burn hot and release irritating, sometimes toxic byproducts as plastics, insulation, oils, and residues combust. Multiple agencies responded; at least one report put the response at around 20 fire agencies.
Even when flames are contained, smoke and ash can remain a health hazard—especially for children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic conditions. The most important step is to treat shelter-in-place guidance seriously and seek medical care if symptoms begin or worsen.
Key risks after an industrial smoke event
- Smoke inhalation can inflame airways and reduce oxygen delivery; fine particles (PM2.5) are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular harm.
- Thermal burns can occur from heat, flames, and superheated surfaces. Nationally, the American Burn Association estimates ~29,165 burn admissions per year in the U.S.
- Chemical burns can occur when corrosive substances contact skin/eyes – or when contaminated ash/dust settles on people or property.
Why recycling-facility smoke is so dangerous
Industrial fires can produce a complex mixture of airborne hazards. Even if you cannot “smell chemicals,” the smoke can still carry fine particles and irritants that reach deep into the lungs. This danger is exacerbated by workers and anyone else in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – PM2.5 can penetrate into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Public health agencies like the EPA link smoke-related PM exposure to coughing, breathing difficulty, asthma exacerbations, and increased cardiovascular strain.
Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases – Smoke exposure can interfere with oxygen delivery and trigger systemic symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea). Medical literature also emphasizes that inhalation of toxic products is a major driver of fire-related mortality.
Irritating compounds from mixed materials – Recycling and scrap fires may involve plastics, foams, coatings, lubricants, and residues that can produce strong irritants when burned. The specific risk depends on what burned and how long the exposure lasted.
Smoke inhalation injuries: symptoms, complications, and treatment
Smoke inhalation is not just “irritation.” It can trigger airway inflammation, bronchospasm, chemical irritation of the lower lungs, and oxygen-delivery problems. Inhalation injuries are also strongly associated with worse outcomes when burns are present.
Common symptoms
- Burning eyes, throat irritation, persistent cough
- Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care or emergency evaluation if any of the following occur:
- Shortness of breath at rest, severe wheezing, or worsening asthma/COPD symptoms
- Chest pain, fainting, confusion, bluish lips, or severe headache
- Symptoms in a young child, older adult, or anyone with heart/lung disease
- You were in dense smoke, inside a structure, or trapped in traffic near the plume
If you were present next to the fire and believe you may have suffered serious smoke inhalation, ask about oxygen measurement, lung exam, chest imaging, and – when indicated – testing for carbon monoxide exposure.
Fire (thermal) burns
Burns are not limited to fire. Thermal burns can occur from direct flame contact, radiant heat, steam, or hot surfaces and metal. Burn severity is typically assessed by depth (superficial to full-thickness) and total body surface area, and burns involving the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints can be especially serious.
Warning signs of a serious burn
- White/charred skin, numbness, or leathery texture (possible deep burn)
- Blistering over a large area
- Burns to the face/neck or any breathing difficulty
- Signs of infection later (increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever)
Immediate first aid basics (general)
- Cool the burn with cool (not ice) water for several minutes
- Remove rings/watch/loose clothing near the burn before swelling increases
- Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing
- Avoid butter/oils or breaking blisters
If the burn is extensive or involves the face/airway (for example, breathing in superheated air or hot smoke), seek medical attention immediately.
Chemical burns: skin, eye, and airway exposure risks
Chemical burns can occur from acids, bases (alkalis), oxidizers/bleaches, and other corrosives. Common agents include strong acids and caustic alkalis such as sodium hydroxide, ammonia, and industrial cleaners.
During industrial incidents, chemical exposure can occur through:
- Direct contact with contaminated liquids or residues
- Settled ash/dust contacting skin or eyes, possibly carried by smoke
- Secondary transfer (handling contaminated clothing, tools, or debris)
What chemical burns can look like
- Immediate pain, redness, blistering, or whitening of skin
- Eye tearing, severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision
- Persistent cough or breathing irritation after contact with strong fumes
First steps (general)
- Remove contaminated clothing carefully
- Rinse exposed skin with running water (copious irrigation)
- For eye exposure, rinse continuously and seek urgent evaluation
Because some agents (especially certain alkalis) can continue damaging tissue, it is usually recommended to receive medical evaluation even if the injury initially looks mild.
Other injuries seen after industrial fires
Slip-and-fall and evacuation injuries – Rapid evacuations or low-visibility conditions can lead to falls, sprains, and fractures, as was the case in the Olefins refinery explosion.
Asthma attacks and secondary cardiopulmonary strain – Public health authorities link smoke PM exposure to exacerbations of respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Delayed symptoms – Some people feel “fine” during the event but develop cough, wheeze, or chest tightness later – especially after returning outdoors too soon.
What to do if you were exposed or injured
- Prioritize medical documentation. If you have respiratory symptoms, burns, or eye irritation, get evaluated and follow up if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Document exposure. Note where you were, when, wind/smoke conditions, and how long you were exposed.
- Photograph visible impacts. Ash accumulation, damaged property, skin irritation progression, or burn healing (dated photos help).
- Preserve contaminated items carefully. Bag clothing that smells strongly of smoke/chemicals; avoid repeated handling.
- Track costs and time lost. Keep receipts, work notes, and mileage for medical visits.
FAQ
Can smoke exposure cause injury even if I wasn’t near the flames?
Yes. Smoke can travel and carry fine particles and irritants that affect lungs and the cardiovascular system, particularly in vulnerable groups.
What if my symptoms started the next day?
Delayed airway inflammation is common after exposure. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you have risk factors (asthma/COPD/heart disease), seek medical evaluation immediately.
What injuries are most common after major fires?
Respiratory irritation and exacerbations are common, as well as burns.
Do chemical burns only happen with obvious spills?
No. Dust/ash residues can carry irritating compounds, and many corrosive agents cause injury through brief contact – especially to eyes and mucous membranes.
Contact a Houston Industrial Fire Attorney Today
If you were on-site or in the shelter-in-place zone of the Dayton recycling facility fire, you need to treat each new cough, wheezing, chest tightness, severe headache, eye pain, or any burn injury as medically significant. Industrial smoke events can involve fine particles and toxic irritants with real health consequences, and prompt evaluation can protect both your health and your documentation if an injury claim becomes necessary.
Houston Personal Injury Attorney Hilda Sibrian has worked with clients suffering from toxic and chemical exposure for over two decades, including at refineries and industrial facilities. Hilda Sibrian serves the Houston metropolitan area, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, La Porte, Beaumont, Pasadena, The Woodlands, The Heights, Bellaire, Kingwood, Baytown and of course Houston proper. Call our office today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
