Risk Assessment for Acute Exposure to Pyrogen: A Pyrotechnically-Generated Fire Extinguishing Aerosol

Abstract

Pyrotechnically generated fire extinguishing aerosols represent an alternative to halon fire extinguishers in enclosed spaces. This study reviewed existing literature on one specific type (Pyrogen) and assessed the potential health risks associated with a short-term (15 min) exposure to a Pyrogen discharge. A fairly extensive study of vapor phase components by the Russian Academy of Science suggested that concentrations of potentially hazardous gases were generally below levels of concern. However, ammonia and N2 may pose some concern because concentrations exceeded recognized short-term exposure limits. Specific composition of the hydrocarbons produced also merit further study as they may or may not represent an additional inhalation risk. Concentrations of solid phase particulates generated by Pyrogen appear to be well below any levels of concern given their reported chemical composition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 11, 2005
Accession Number
ADA428944

Entities

People

  • Edgar Kimmel
  • Jonathan W. Kaufman

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Composition
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Products
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Extinguishing
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Materials
  • Nose
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Particulates
  • Phase
  • Risk
  • Risk Analysis
  • Solid Phases
  • Vapor Phases

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space