Occupying fire-damaged buildings without professional assessment poses serious health risks from ongoing exposure to toxic combustion byproducts and respiratory problems from residual particles that remain airborne or become disturbed during normal activities. Combustion byproducts can include carcinogenic compounds and toxic chemicals released from burning synthetic materials. Children, elderly individuals, and people with respiratory conditions face heightened risks from these exposures. Professional assessment identifies contamination levels and provides cleaning specifications that ensure safe reoccupancy, while incomplete assessment may leave dangerous residues that cause long-term health problems.