What are the delayed health effects that may arise following exposure to chemicals in smoke?
General guidance can be provided on the possibility of persistent or delayed health effects from exposure via inhalation to chemicals which are anticipated to be produced by explosions in underground tunnels ( ie through breathing in chemicals or burning of the respiratory tract or eyes by hot smoke). It is very unlikely that any long term effects will occur if the individual had no significant acute respiratory tract, eye or other symptoms or signs at the time of probable exposure. There is a possibility that longer-term effects on the eyes and lungs could occur as a consequence of the severe irritant effects of some of the compounds produced by combustion. The likelihood of this happening is minimized if prompt treatment is given to the casualty, but those who have serious lung damage at the time of exposure may develop respiratory tract problems that require longer-term medical management. For a single acute exposure the increase in risk of developing such long-term effects is asses
