FireDOC Search

Author
Dunston, N. C.
Title
Effects of Ozone on Volatile Organic Compounds Following a Fire: A Preliminary Investigation.
Coporate
Maryland Univ., College Park
Report
Thesis
1996
72 p.
Keywords
ozone | fire gases | fire tests | oxidation | gas chromatography | chemical analysis | gas analysis | experiments
Identifiers
mass spectrometry
Abstract
Indoor air quality following a fire is of major concern due to the toxic and health effects caused by the volatile organic compounds produced from incomplete combustion of organic fuels. the use of commercially generated ozone to reduce or eliminate the volatile organic compounds is widespread, but lacking is documented scientific research. This paper provides some scientific documentation of the post fire gases in an odorous fire test room treated with commercially generated ozone. The effectsof oxidation on the volatile organic compounds were examined using GC/MS chemical gas analyses before, during and after ozonation. There appeared to be a trend in the reduction in the concentraion of aromatic hydrocarbons following ozonation, as well as an increased presence in aldehydes following ozonation.