study on chemicals found in the overhaul phase of structure fires using advanced portable air monitoring available for chemical speciation

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This archived document is maintained by the State Library of Oregon as part of the Oregon Documents Depository Program. It is for informational purposes and may not be suitable for legal purposes.
Abstract/Description: During the overhaul phase of a structure fire, firefighters commonly doff their self contained breathing apparatus SCBA protection for easier working conditions and traditionally rely upon carbon monoxide (CO) detection as the determinate for this action. A CO level of below 35 ppm has traditionally been the acceptable limit for firefighters to wear this lesser level of respiratory protection. Removal of respiratory protection during fire overhaul activities or in the general area can expose firefighters and fire investigators to an unknown variety of toxic chemicals and particulates. Typical structure fires involve high temperature destruction of many types of plastics, foams, various species of wood, fabrics and other materials. Gases and particulates liberated from these burning materials often contain toxic, reactive and otherwise unhealthy chemicals that are both inhalation hazards and skin absorptive hazards. This study focused on the direct reading of gases present during overhaul, measurement of these gases over an extended period of time in comparison to CO, and on the compilation of data to support and continue the understanding of post-fire event airborne hazards to firefighters and fire investigators.
Subject(s): n-us-or
Fire extinction -- Health aspects -- Oregon -- Evaluation
Air -- Pollution -- Oregon -- Measurement
Chemicals -- Oregon -- Analysis
Date Issued: 25 February 2011.