Products of Combustion and Toxicity from Specific Types of Fires

Abstract

The Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division (CHaPD) is frequently required to advise on the health effects arising from incidents due to fires. This chapter, adapted from a review prepared for the Health Protection Agency, considers the toxicity of combustion products from a range of different fire types. Following smoke inhalation, toxicity may result either from thermal injury, or from the toxic effects of substances present. This review considers only the latter, and aims to identify generalisations that may be made regarding the toxicity of common products present in fire smoke, with respect to the combustion conditions (temperature, oxygen availability, etc.), focusing largely on the adverse health effects to humans following acute exposure to these chemicals in smoke. The prediction of toxic combustion products is a complex area and there is the potential for the generation of a huge range of pyrolysis products depending on the nature of the fire and the conditions of burning. Although each fire will have individual characteristics and will ultimately need to be considered on a case by case basis, there are commonalities, particularly with regard to the most important components relating to toxicity. The chapter provides a brief overview of the topics and issues described more fully in the individual book chapters on specific subjects, which are referenced as appropriate.

Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea

“…According to a previous study, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon dioxide, low oxygen concentration, acrolein, formaldehyde, dioxin, dibenzofuran, isocyanate, and various microparticles were harmful to firefighters during fire accidents [24]. In another study, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde, benzene, carbon black, graphite dust, wood dust, silica fume, and talc particles were harmful substances in fire accidents [25].…”

Self‐ignition of forest soil samples demonstrated through hot storage tests

“…A reduction in the oxygen content in the air can have harmful effects on health and restrict the possibility of self-rescue. 35 Benzene is a well-known chemical compound often associated with the combustion of plastics or petrol. However, it can also be produced in forest fires, releasing as a highly flammable and toxic gas.…”

“…Carbon dioxide can intensify physiological effects at high concentrations and increase the amount of toxins that can be inhaled over a specific period. A reduction in the oxygen content in the air can have harmful effects on health and restrict the possibility of self‐rescue 35 …”

“…Acetaldehyde is an irritating and carcinogenic substance, mainly known as an intermediate product in alcohol breakdown in the human body and as a component of cigarette smoke. Ammonia is a highly irritating gas that is corrosive to the respiratory system and eyes and can cause breathing difficulties 35 …”

Analysis of Flammability and Smoke Emission of Plastic Materials Used in Construction and Transport

“…The chemicals contained within fire effluents are divided into four groups: asphyxiates (carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide), irritants (ammonia, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, phenol, sulphur dioxide), allergens (isocyanates), and carcinogens (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, furans, certain heavy metals) [ 21 ]. In addition, the combustion of organic materials, particularly if it is incomplete, may also give rise to more complex chemicals in the smoke, which may include longer carbon chains and multiple-carbon rings [ 22 , 23 ].…”