Extreme toxicity from combustion products of a fire-retarded polyurethane foam.

Abstract

The products from nonflaming combustion of wood and a trimethylol-propane-based rigid-urethane foam that was not fire-retarded produced elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels but no abnormal neurological effects. However, when this type of foam contained a reactive phosphate fire retardant, the combustion products caused grand mal seizures and death in rats. The toxic combustion product responsible for the seizures has been identified as 4-ethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo(2.2.2.)octane-1-oxide.

• Authors: J H Petajan, K J Voorhees, S C Packham, R C Baldwin, I N Einhorn, M L Grunnet, B G Dinger, M M Birky
• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science) Vol. 187 Issue 4178 Pg. 742-4 (Feb 28 1975) ISSN: 0036-8075 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1114319 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bridged Bicyclo Compounds
• Bridged-Ring Compounds
• Cyclic P-Oxides
• Polyurethanes
• Smoke
• Carbon Monoxide
• Carboxyhemoglobin

Topics

• Animals
• Atmosphere Exposure Chambers
• Bridged Bicyclo Compounds (toxicity)
• Bridged-Ring Compounds (toxicity)
• Carbon Monoxide (blood)
• Carboxyhemoglobin (analysis)
• Cyclic P-Oxides (toxicity)
• Electroencephalography
• Hot Temperature
• Polyurethanes (toxicity)
• Rats
• Reflex (drug effects)
• Seizures (chemically induced)
• Smoke
• Wood