Following public concern on potential life risk of articles made of polyurethane due to toxic gas emission when involved in fires, the issue is looked at both from the findings of laboratory tests and from fire experience.
Overall, the toxic hazard of polyurethanes in fire is comparable to that of organic materials in everyday use.
Toxic gas emission is generally proportional to the degree of involvement in fires.
Hazard can be reduced by appropriate applications as well as by protection of escape routes and provision for smoke exhaust.
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