A number of procedures have been described in the literature for investigation of the inhalation toxicity of combustion products. There is need for agreement on test methods and test conditions to facilitate communication, allow the ex change of data, and provide a basis for control of hazards due to combustion products in fires. Combustion systems and animal exposure systems which have been employed are classified according to their basic attributes. Simple con siderations of limiting stoichiometry in the combustion module can guide the selection of conditions which simulate real fire environments. The dynamics of the exposure system will determine the procedural dose received by the test animal and can be related to real fire exposure. Many past investigations have failed to take adequate account of these fundamental principles.
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