THE FLAMMABILITY OF SKIN AND HAIR IN OXYGEN-ENRICHED ATMOSPHERES
Abstract
The flammability of hair and skin from white suckling pigs and from humans was studied in atmospheres ranging in oxygen concentration from 20.9% (air) to 100%. Neither pigskin nor human skin would support combustion in pure oxygen at 258 mm. Hg except in the presence of an artifact consisting of exposed subdermal fat and local depletion of heat sink capability. Although pig bristles and human hair burn rapidly in pure oxygen, differences observed in flame spread rates and burning times indicate that skin of suckling pigs is not an adequate simulant for human skin in terms of response to an ignition source in pure oxygen. Methods of protection against ignition were studied with pigskin samples. The helium concentration necessary to prevent flame spread at 1 atm. total pressure is 75% by volume. Salves and creams are effective against flame spread when the amounts applied are much larger than those normally used. The values obtained from the present work on unshaved pigskin samples to determine flame spread rate and critical helium concentration (for zero flame spread) are completely consistent with reported values for other types of combustibles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0688920
Entities
People
- Robert L. Durfee
Organizations
- ARCO