An investigation of the toxic effects of combustion products--analysis of smoke components.

A comprehensive experimental design was developed to study the effects of thermal degradation products formed by the combustion of building materials on the behavior of rats. Three materials were studied. They were Douglas fir, wool, and polyvinyl chloride. Each material was tested under both flaming and nonflaming modes of combustion. The smoke and gases produced by each material were analyzed by specific gas detector tubes, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy. Products measured during combustion included oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrocarbons. Part of a much larger study, this paper will deal with the analytical aspects of the experimental design.