Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

The toxicity of unpyrolysed Halons has been re-assessed within the framework of a simple theory of anaesthesia together with human response data. A new rating factor has been developed which is more directly relevant to actual exposures by man to Halons. The factor is derived from a knowledge of the flame extinguishing properties of the Halons together with their narcotic (anaesthetic) properties. Proposals are made as to the use of the factor for selecting Halons for particular fire protection applications.