Journal Published Online: 01 November 1981
Volume 9, Issue 6

Fundamentals of Combustion Toxicology in Fire Hazard Assessment

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

This paper discusses fundamental principles of combustion toxicology and the application of those principles in formulating test protocols and research strategies aimed ultimately toward smoke toxicity hazard assessment and the influence of materials thereupon. It offers a review of principles basic to combustion toxicology to serve as introductory reading for fire technology professionals not generally familiar with the biological aspects of applied fire research and testing. While some methods of contemporary significance are referred to or discussed, this paper is not intended to be an exhaustive review or analysis of laboratory methods that have been applied in evaluating toxicological properties of smoke.

This paper also addresses the basic issues of the assessment of toxic hazards to life and how laboratory methods may be applied in determining whether the choice of one material over another would significantly alter potential toxicological threats to life. Some approaches to laboratory assessments are given involving time-dependent bioassays of toxicological effects caused by allowing materials to perform as they would in a real fire. This paper is intended to open the way to the complex area of smoke toxicity hazard assessment in the laboratory in a relevant and practical manner.

Author Information

Packham, SC
BETR Sciences, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah
Hartzell, GE
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Tex.
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE11236J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11236J