Generation of toxic gases during combustion of stuffed toys in multifunction shopping malls

Introduction. Stuffed children’s toys in children’s entertainment areas at multifunction shopping malls are among the most dangerous combustible materials. However, flammable properties of stuffed toys, especially the qualitative and quantitative composition of resulting toxic gases, have not been studied.

Goals and objectives. The aim of the work is to identify specific coefficients of generation and partial density of toxic gases released during the combustion of stuffed toys.

To achieve the goal, a small experimental unit was upgraded and experimental studies of the above parameters were carried out to learn more about the most dangerous toxic gases released during the combustion of specimens of staffed toys made in China.

Methods. An experimental method was used to study the generation of toxic substances during the thermal decomposition of specimens of staffed toys in a small experimental unit. The results of the experiment were analyzed.

Results and discussion. The small experimental unit was upgraded so that it could measure concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and phosgene.

Dependences between time and the specific mass burn up rate, the average volumetric partial density, as well as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, and nitrogen dioxide generation coefficients were obtained for the period starting from the launch of the experiment.

It was found that only partial densities of hydrogen cyanide and phosgene reached their critical values. In this case, the partial density of hydrogen cyanide exceeded its critical value by 2.5 times, and that of phosgene by 17 times. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the time for blocking evacuation routes for hydrogen cyanide and phosgene to determine fire risks in children’s play areas.

Conclusions. When stuffed children’s toys are in combustion, highly toxic gases as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and phosgene are released in concentrations dangerous to human life and health. This fact must be taken into account when fire risks in children’s play areas are analyzed.

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