Effect of combustion conditions on species productions

Abstract

A complete compartment fire hazard assessment requires a knowledge of toxic chemical species production. Although combustion products include a vast number of chemical species, in practical circumstances the bulk of the product gas mixture can be characterized by less than 10 species. Of these, carbon monoxide (CO) represents the most common fire toxicant. Over half of all fire fatalities have been attributed to CO inhalation [1, 2]. Concentrations as low as 4000�ppm (0.4�% by volume) can be fatal in less than an hour, and carbon monoxide levels of several percent have been observed in full-scale compartment fires. A complete toxicity assessment should not only include the toxicity of CO but also include the synergistic effects of other combustion products, such as elevated CO levels