What color smoke is typically emitted by plastics and painted or stained surfaces?

The color of smoke emitted by burning plastics and painted or stained surfaces is typically gray. This can be attributed to the chemical composition of these materials; as they burn, they release various byproducts that manifest in gray smoke.

Gray smoke indicates incomplete combustion and can contain a mix of particulate matter, including soot and other contaminants produced from the combustion of synthetic materials. This makes it a significant signal for fire responders to consider, as it can inform them about the type of materials burning and the potential hazardous byproducts that may be present. Understanding the color of smoke helps firefighters assess the fire situation more accurately and take appropriate actions for both firefighting and ensuring their safety.