- Author
- Nolan, P. F.
- Title
- Toxic Hazard Assessment.
- Coporate
- Polytechnic of the South Bank, London, England
- Book or Conf
- International Conference on Flammability. INTERFLAM '85. Conference Workbook. March 26-28, 1985, Guildford, England, 277-284 p., 1985
- Keywords
- toxic hazards | thermal decomposition | occupants
- Abstract
- Toxic gases, vapours and particulates can be generated from the ignition of volatiles from the thermal decomposition of polymeric materials. Numerous test methods to determine the toxic nature of fire atmospheres have been evolved utilising both chemical analytical equipment and inhalation toxicological studies employing laboratory animals. However, although substantial toxicity data how exists, difficulties have been encountered when consideration has been given to integrating such data into hazard estimation. The evolution of toxic substances is an effect of fire, it is therefore a necessary step in a toxic hazard assessment to address all the fire parameters such as ignition and burning behavior of materials and to place such parameters in the context of the end-use application. Toxic hazard assessment must involve the examination of the environment, contents, ignition sources and the occupants. A simple method, based on that employed for the preparation of a draft code for the British Standards Institution for the reduction of toxic hazard of fire in buildings and transport, involving the estimation and comparison of required and available escape times is described.