Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 85-274-1879, Evaluation of Zinc Chloride Smoke Generating Devices, International Association of Fire Fighters, Washington, DC

摘要

An assessment was made of hazards to fire fighters (SIC-9224) of using different zinc-chloride (7646857) smoke generating devices, manufactured by the Superior Signal Company, Inc. (SIC-2899), New Jersey. used in fire fighter training exercises, zinc compounds, hydrochloric-acid (7647010) and over 50 chlorinated hydrocarbons were detected in smoke clouds. The concentration of hydrochloric-acid ranged as high as 420mg/m3. Zinc-chloride concentrations ranged from 11 to 498mg/m3. A telephone survey was conducted of 62 different fire training organizations around the United States to obtain information they might have on use of similar devices. A literature search revealed that there had been might have on use of similar devices. A literature search revealed that there had been severe adverse health effects, including death, resulting from exposure to a dense smoke cloud from a zinc-chloride smoke generating device. Individuals who were adversely affected were not wearing respiratory protective gear or had malfunctioning gear. Symptoms of exposure included sore throat, difficulty breathing, joint pain, chills and fever, headache, and generalized fatigue. The authors conclude that no smoke generating device should be considered safe and nontoxic, and that measures should be taken to reduce exposures to smoke clouds from such devices. Alternative methods to distort vision in fire fighting training exercises should be considered.