In any fire the release of smoke and toxic gases can be as deadly as the heat and flames. Smoke will obscure vision and may prevent or delay escape and the gases can kill. Fire gases, in particular carbon monoxide, will incapacitate and kill sleeping house occupants in case of a night-time fire, without awakening them.

The amount of smoke and gas released in a fire is dependant to a great extent on the quantity of material that is burning and the speed of fire spread. Flame retardants, by slowing the development of the fire as well as preventing fires from starting, thus significantly reduce the smoke and gases emitted in fires, and reduce the total toxicity.

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