Matter exists in solid, liquid and gaseous states.

Solid and
liquids are visible but when matter changes its form to gas, it
usually becomes invisible for the naked eye, unless gas has
some color. Fumes, steam, gas, vapor and smoke are some
terms, which are used interchangeably for the third state of
matter. Here we are describing difference between them.

Fumes

Fumes are generally referred to gas or vapor. This term is used

when one wants to refer to that gas which is dangerous, when
inhaled by human and animals. It can be simply irritating for
eyes or nose or nay other organ. Many elements convert into
fumes, at high temperature.

Steam

Steam is a technical term, which is used for gaseous phase of

water. When water boils, some parts of it convert to steam.
Steam has more heat as compared to the boiling water. At
higher temperature, steam becomes the superheated steam.
Steam is used as a source of energy, steam engine is the first
step in this direction, now a day steam turbines are used for
power generation and many other purposes.

Gas

Gas is one of the three states of matter, when they are defined
in classical way. When heat is provided to solid, it becomes
liquid and then to gas. Sometime solid can turn directly to gas,
without becoming liquid. Different elements have different
boiling points. Pure gases are made up of individual atoms, like
Oxygen, Nitrogen and Helium, while others are mixture of two
or more elements like carbon dioxide.

Vapor

When a substance comes in its gaseous phase, at temperature

which is lower than its critical point, it is called as vapor. Vapor
can be condensed to liquid or solid by increasing the pressure
only and keeping temperature, same. Vapor can co-exist with
its liquid form, and in this condition both states are at
equilibrium.

Smoke

Smoke is the collection of airborne solid, liquid and gases,

which are emitted as a result of combustion. Smoke is by
product of fire, which is unwanted and considered as pollution
these days. Smoke is also used as flavoring agent in some
cases. Fumigation is a method for controlling pest growth.

Fumes vs Steam vs Gas vs Vapor vs Smoke

Fumes, steam, gas and vapor are quite similar, but there is little
difference between them. A fume is gaseous state of an
element or mixture of substance, which are dangerous or
irritating for living organisms when inhaled. On the other hand,
steam is simply gaseous form of water. Steam is used for
commercial purposes also; steam engines and turbine are
examples. Gas is the third state of matter, which can be pure
elements like oxygen or a mixture of two, like carbon dioxide.
Vapor is the gaseous form of a substance, when it reaches to
gas state at lower temperature than its critical point. Smoke is
different than all these terms. Smoke is by product of fire, which
is considered as pollution now.