The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the fire that occurred at The Station Nightclub in West Warwick, RI, in February 2003. Flashover promotes the degradation of synthetics resulting in the release of hydrogen cyanide and other toxic gases.
Synthetic components of these fuels have a tendency to burn hotter and faster than conventional materials, which results in room temperatures reaching flashover sooner.
The USFA estimates that approximately 20,800 residential building fires occur annually involving fuels such as mattresses, pillows and bedding materials. These materials are used in insulation, floor coverings, and other construction materials and furnishings that may be present in a building. Hydrogen cyanide is formed when natural fibers, such as wool and silk, and synthetic polymers, such as polyurethane and nylon, are not completely consumed during a structure fire. Commercial products made up of materials such as wool, paper, cotton, silk and plastics may produce hydrogen cyanide when they burn. Smoke generated in structural fires from products composed of carbon and nitrogen contains various concentrations of hydrogen cyanide. Recent research has revealed that hydrogen cyanide present in smoke generated at building fires may play a more significant role in injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians than once thought.
Fire Administration (USFA), smoke is the killer in 60% to 80% of all fire deaths. These chemicals may include hydrochloric acid, ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide. Smoke that is present during a structure fire is composed of several irritating, toxic and asphyxiant chemicals, depending on the materials that are burning.
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