👉 Match fumes, also known as smoke or pyrophoric vapors, are hazardous byproducts that can occur when certain materials, including matches and other flammable substances, are ignited. These fumes contain volatile organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons, which rapidly evaporate upon exposure to air, creating a cloud of toxic, often acrid-smelling smoke. The primary concern with match fumes is their potential to cause severe respiratory irritation, eye damage, and even more serious health issues like lung cancer or acute poisoning if inhaled in high concentrations. Additionally, the presence of these fumes can pose a significant fire hazard, as they can ignite spontaneously in air or near flammable materials, making them particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces or during storage.