Combustion products from various kinds of fibers: toxicological hazards from smoke exposure

Forensic Sci Int. 1983 Aug-Sep;22(2-3):111-6. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(83)90002-6.

Abstract

The smoke exposure hazards during combustion of carbon and nitrogen-containing fibers were evaluated in guinea pigs intoxicated by gradual exposure to HCN and CO neo-formed from foam rubber, wool and PAN (Polyacrylonitrile). The most prominent result of our study was that the neo-formation of HCN from 1 g of PAN was 1500 ppm, much higher than from foam rubber and wool because of the presence of many -CN groups in the polymer chemical structure. This concentration of HCN is estimated to be lethal. Extrapolating this data, a lethal concentration of HCN could be obtained by burning 2 kg of PAN in an average sized living room. The above-mentioned 1 g of PAN was burned in a 15.6-liter combustion chamber.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Fires
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hydrogen Cyanide / poisoning*
  • Male
  • Rubber / toxicity*
  • Smoke / adverse effects*
  • Wool

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Smoke
  • polyacrylonitrile
  • Hydrogen Cyanide
  • Rubber