MCQs on the hazards of house fire

General Health Hazards

1. What is the primary cause of fatalities in house fires?
   A) Burns
   B) Smoke inhalation
   C) Falling debris
   D) Carbon monoxide poisoning
   Answer: B
2. Which toxic gas is commonly released during house fires and can cause asphyxiation?
   A) Hydrogen
   B) Carbon monoxide
   C) Methane
   D) Sulfur dioxide
   Answer: B
3. What is the term for the inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling smoke during a fire?
   A) Bronchitis
   B) Pneumonitis
   C) Emphysema
   D) Asthma
   Answer: B
4. Which chemical in synthetic materials poses a risk of cyanide poisoning during fires?
   A) Polyethylene
   B) Polyurethane
   C) Polycarbonate
   D) Polypropylene
   Answer: B
5. What respiratory condition can develop due to long-term exposure to smoke from fires?
   A) COPD
   B) Tuberculosis
   C) Sinusitis
   D) Pneumonia
   Answer: A

Acute Symptoms and Effects

6. Which of the following is a common immediate symptom of smoke inhalation?
   A) Dizziness
   B) Nausea
   C) Shortness of breath
   D) All of the above
   Answer: D
7. What is the effect of carbon monoxide on the blood?
   A) Decreases oxygen-carrying capacity
   B) Increases blood pressure
   C) Enhances oxygen delivery to tissues
   D) Causes clot formation
   Answer: A
8. Exposure to high heat in a house fire can cause what immediate health issue?
   A) Hyperthermia
   B) Hypothermia
   C) Dehydration
   D) Hypoglycemia
   Answer: A
9. Which organ is most affected by prolonged smoke inhalation?
   A) Liver
   B) Kidneys
   C) Lungs
   D) Heart
   Answer: C
10. What eye condition can result from exposure to smoke in house fires?
    A) Glaucoma
    B) Conjunctivitis
    C) Cataracts
    D) Retinal detachment
    Answer: B

Long-Term Health Effects

11. Chronic exposure to smoke from recurrent fires may lead to:
    A) Lung cancer
    B) Kidney failure
    C) Diabetes
    D) Hepatitis
    Answer: A
12. Persistent skin exposure to soot and fire residues can result in:
    A) Dermatitis
    B) Psoriasis
    C) Vitiligo
    D) Alopecia
    Answer: A
13. Inhalation of particulate matter from fires is associated with:
    A) Cardiovascular diseases
    B) Gastrointestinal issues
    C) Neurological disorders
    D) Endocrine disruptions
    Answer: A
14. What psychological condition is often reported after surviving a house fire?
    A) PTSD
    B) OCD
    C) Bipolar disorder
    D) ADHD
    Answer: A
15. Repeated exposure to fire hazards can cause what type of neurological damage?
    A) Peripheral neuropathy
    B) Cognitive decline
    C) Seizures
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D

Children and Vulnerable Populations

16. Why are children more vulnerable to house fire hazards?
    A) Faster respiratory rate
    B) Thinner skin
    C) Inability to recognize danger
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D
17. Smoke inhalation in infants may lead to:
    A) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
    B) Asthma
    C) Both A and B
    D) None of the above
    Answer: C
18. What is the main health concern for elderly individuals exposed to house fires?
    A) Increased risk of fractures
    B) Reduced ability to escape
    C) Poor respiratory recovery
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D
19. Pregnant women exposed to fire smoke are at risk of:
    A) Preterm labor
    B) Fetal developmental issues
    C) Both A and B
    D) None of the above
    Answer: C
20. Which pre-existing condition can exacerbate the health effects of fire smoke?
    A) Diabetes
    B) Hypertension
    C) Asthma
    D) Arthritis
    Answer: C

Toxic Substances

21. What is the effect of inhaling dioxins released during a fire?
    A) Hormonal disruption
    B) Skin burns
    C) Immediate death
    D) Kidney damage
    Answer: A
22. Which material, when burned, releases harmful asbestos fibers?
    A) Vinyl tiles
    B) Wood
    C) Insulation materials
    D) Carpet fibers
    Answer: C
23. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) emits which toxic substance during combustion?
    A) Phosgene
    B) Benzene
    C) Formaldehyde
    D) Arsenic
    Answer: A
24. Which heavy metal can be released in house fires and cause poisoning?
    A) Lead
    B) Mercury
    C) Cadmium
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D
25. Chronic exposure to fire residues can lead to which cancer type?
    A) Skin cancer
    B) Lung cancer
    C) Bladder cancer
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D

Preventive Measures and Awareness

26. What type of alarm is essential for early fire detection?
    A) Carbon monoxide detector
    B) Smoke detector
    C) Heat sensor
    D) All of the above
    Answer: B
27. How can you reduce the health hazards of house fires?
    A) Proper ventilation
    B) Fire-resistant materials
    C) Regular maintenance of appliances
    D) All of the above
    Answer: D
28. Which type of extinguisher is best for household fires?
    A) Water-based
    B) CO2-based
    C) Foam-based
    D) All of the above
    Answer: B
29. Installing which device reduces fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning?
    A) Air purifier
    B) CO alarm
    C) Humidifier
    D) Heat sensor
    Answer: B
30. Which safety practice can prevent severe burns during a fire?
    A) Stop, drop, and roll
    B) Running quickly
    C) Splashing water
    D) Covering with plastic
    Answer: A

Miscellaneous

31. What percentage of fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation?
    A) 30%
    B) 50%
    C) 70%
    D) 90%
    Answer: D
32. Which part of the body is most vulnerable to burns in fires?
    A) Hands
    B) Face
    C) Feet
    D) Torso
    Answer: B
33. How long does it take for smoke inhalation to cause unconsciousness?
    A) 1 minute
    B) 2–3 minutes
    C) 5 minutes
    D) 10 minutes
    Answer: B
34. Which fire safety item should every household have?
    A) Fire extinguisher
    B) First aid kit
    C) Both A and B
    D) None of the above
    Answer: C
35. What is the primary component of smoke that irritates the respiratory tract?
    A) Particulate matter
    B) Sulfur oxides
    C) Carbon dioxide
    D) Methane
    Answer: A