The Combustion Toxicology of Polyvinylchloride Revisited

Abstract

The combustion toxicology of polyvinylchloride (PVC) has been studied exten sively against a background of increasing understanding of the relevance of the toxicity of combustion products in fires. Most materials have a similar toxic potency and demonstrate asphyxia and irritancy when thermally decomposed. Hydrogen chloride is a major toxicant produced by PVC, which accounts for the irritancy shown by PVC combustion products. Carbon monoxide is also pro duced which becomes the most significant toxicant if the hydrogen chloride levels are reduced, which can occur rapidly in fires. The toxic potency lies within the range of 300-3000 mg/l. mins, which is similar to the majority of polymeric materials whether natural or synthetic.