- Author
- Orzel, R.
- Title
- Literature Review of the Combustion Toxicity of Flexible Polyurethane Foam.
- Coporate
- Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC
- Report
- Memorandum, May 9, 1984, 103 p.
- Keywords
- polyurethane foams | upholstered furniture | residential buildings | building fires | plastics | toxic gases | carbon monoxide | smoldering | central nervous system | autopsy
- Abstract
- Polyurethane foam is widely used as a filling material in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. In 1982, upholstered furniture fires were the leading cause of residential fire deaths with an estimated 1,1210 fatalities. The typical fire scenario has been described as a burning cigarette left unattended on upholstered furniture resulting in smoldering ignition. During the smoldering ignition state of a fire, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other toxic gases can be emitted which may cause sensory and/or respiratory irritation, interfere with motor and/or central nervous system function and thus, impede escape. Currently, autopsy data indicate that over half the fire deaths are attributed to carbon monoxide. There is increasing concern, however, that other gases may be involved in smoke inhalation deaths.