0023-6152

AA00697606

1955379

To assess the hazards of the gases emitted by the combustion of building materials, this study analyzed the gases produced through the combustion of four wood materials – slash pine, lauan, cedar and pine – using an FTIR spectrometer and cone calorimeter. The analysis shed light on the distinct structures of the carbonated parts, which were attributable to the differences in wood types, distribution density (specific gravity) of medullary rays and water content among the species of trees. As for the gas emissions by the combustion of wood materials, all the materials tested here were characterized by substantial carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions. Particularly, CO_2 emissions by slash pine and lauan amounted to 373,149.9 ppm and 310,142.5 ppm, or 3.7 and 3 times higher than its lethal concentration (Cf) 100,000 ppm, respectively. The nitrogen dioxide (NO_2) emissions by slash pine (1,265.303 ppm), lauan (881.791 ppm) and pine (315.75 ppm) also exceeded its lethal concentration (Cf) 250 ppm. The sulfur dioxide (SO_2) emissions by the four wood materials significantly exceeded its lethal concentration 400 ppm with slash pine, lauan, pine and cedar emitting 2,485.306 ppm, 1,743.776 ppm, 654.921 ppm and 585.816 ppm, respectively. The CO concentration in slash pine was 7,021.683 ppm, whilst those of the others were below the lethal concentration (Cf) 4,000 ppm. Notably, all the materials emitted much nitrogen dioxide (NO_2) and sulfur dioxide (SO_2) as well as CO_2 and CO like most wood materials. The findings of this study are noteworthy as the reference data for assessing the health hazards of other building materials in future studies.