Release of volatile and semi-volatile toxicants during house fires.
Qualitative results are presented from analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs) obtained through sampling of gaseous effluent and condensed particulates during a series of experimental house fires conducted in a real house. Particular emphasis is given to the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) listed by the Environmental Protection Agency due to their potentially carcinogenic effects. The initial fuel packages were either cooking oil or a single sofa; these were burned both alone, and in furnished surroundings. Experiments were performed at different ventilation conditions. Qualitative Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found VOC/SVOC releases in the developing stages of the fires, and benzo(a)pyrene - the most carcinogenic PAH - was found in at least one sampling interval in the majority of fires. A number of phosphorus fire retardants were detected, in both the gaseous effluent and particulates, from fires where the initial fuel source was a sofa. Their release during the fire is significant as they pose toxicological concerns separate from those presented by the PAHs.
Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK. Electronic address: fhewitt1@uclan.ac.uk.
Fiona
F
Hewitt
Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
Antonis
A
Christou
Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
Kathryn
K
Dickens
Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
Richard
R
Walker
Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK. Electronic address: aastec@uclan.ac.uk.
Anna A
AA
Stec
D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis*; D005390:Fires; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
D002273:Carcinogens; D005740:Gases; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds
House fires; Phosphorus fire retardants; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Real-scale fire experiments