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Chemosphere

Title:		Release of volatile and semi-volatile toxicants during house fires
Author(s):		Hewitt F; Christou A; Dickens K; Walker R; Stec AA;
Address:		"Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK. Electronic address: fhewitt1@uclan.ac.uk. Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK. Centre for Fire Chemistry and Fire Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK. Electronic address: aastec@uclan.ac.uk"
Journal Title:		Chemosphere
Year:		2017
Volume:		20161227
Issue:
Page Number:		580 - 593
DOI:		10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.079
ISSN/ISBN:		1879-1298 (Electronic) 0045-6535 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Qualitative results are presented from analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs) obtained through sampling of gaseous effluent and condensed particulates during a series of experimental house fires conducted in a real house. Particular emphasis is given to the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) listed by the Environmental Protection Agency due to their potentially carcinogenic effects. The initial fuel packages were either cooking oil or a single sofa; these were burned both alone, and in furnished surroundings. Experiments were performed at different ventilation conditions. Qualitative Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found VOC/SVOC releases in the developing stages of the fires, and benzo(a)pyrene - the most carcinogenic PAH - was found in at least one sampling interval in the majority of fires. A number of phosphorus fire retardants were detected, in both the gaseous effluent and particulates, from fires where the initial fuel source was a sofa. Their release during the fire is significant as they pose toxicological concerns separate from those presented by the PAHs"
Keywords:		Carcinogens/*analysis *Fires Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods Gases/*analysis Housing Humans Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/*analysis Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis House fires Phosphorus fire retardants Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon;
Notes:		"MedlineHewitt, Fiona Christou, Antonis Dickens, Kathryn Walker, Richard Stec, Anna A eng England 2017/02/06 Chemosphere. 2017 Apr; 173:580-593. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.079. Epub 2016 Dec 27"