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In most accommodations or high-rise buildings, the probable or confirmed cause of fire in many cases is traced back to electrical faults. But the bigger question is—is that the cause of the rapid spread of fire?
The reality is No. While electrical faults often initiate fires, the rapid spread and devastating consequences are largely due to the use of synthetic materials in modern interiors.
Synthetic materials are man-made products derived from petroleum-based chemicals such as plastics, polymers, resins, and foams. They are used widely in:
Furniture (sofas, cushions, mattresses)
Wall panels and partitions
Flooring and carpets
False ceilings
Decorative laminates
The popularity of these materials comes from their low cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. But when exposed to fire, they behave in ways that make them extremely hazardous.
Synthetic materials ignite much faster than natural alternatives. Their Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) is alarmingly low:
Polyurethane foam: 1–5 mJ
Polystyrene: 0.2–1 mJ
PVC: 3–10 mJ
Wood: >30 mJ
👉 Even a tiny spark or static discharge can ignite synthetics, while wood requires a stronger ignition source.
Polyurethane foam: 370–427 °C
Polystyrene: 350–400 °C
PVC: 455 °C
Wood: 300–350 °C
Although ignition temperatures seem comparable, synthetics release far more energy once ignited.
Tested under ASTM E84 Tunnel Test:
Polyurethane foam: 75–200
Polystyrene: ~125+
PVC: 0–25 (self-extinguishing but emits toxic gases)
Wood: ~100
Gypsum board: 0
👉 Anything above 75 is considered high hazard, and many synthetics exceed this threshold.
Polyurethane foam: 300–600 kW/m²
Polystyrene: 400–500 kW/m²
PVC: 250–300 kW/m²
Wood: 100–200 kW/m²
👉 Synthetics can release three times more heat than natural materials, making firefighting extremely challenging.
Synthetics don’t just burn—they poison.
Polyurethane foam: Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) 150–300 ppm, Carbon monoxide (CO) >3000 ppm
PVC: Hydrogen chloride (HCl) 500–1000 ppm, dense black smoke
Wood: Mainly CO (500–1000 ppm), lighter smoke
👉 Just 200 ppm HCN can render people unconscious within minutes. 3000 ppm CO can be fatal in under 5 minutes.
While it’s unrealistic to completely eliminate synthetics, safer substitutes are available:
Fire-retardant treated wood and plywood
Mineral wool insulation instead of synthetic foam
Gypsum boards for partitions and ceilings
Wool or cotton-based fabrics instead of synthetic upholstery
Ceramic or stone flooring in place of PVC or vinyl flooring
| Property | Synthetic Materials (Foam, PVC, Plastics) | Safer Alternatives (Wood, Gypsum, Mineral Wool) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) | 0.2–10 mJ | >30 mJ |
| Ignition Temperature | 350–450 °C | 300–350 °C |
| Flame Spread Index (FSI) | 75–200+ (rapid spread) | 0–100 (slow spread) |
| Heat Release Rate (HRR) | 250–600 kW/m² | 100–200 kW/m² |
| Toxic Gas Yield | CO (3000+ ppm), HCN (150–300 ppm), HCl (500+ ppm) | CO (500–1000 ppm) |
| Smoke Density | Very high (black, choking) | Low to moderate |
| Cost | Cheaper | Slightly higher but safer |
The average person rarely considers fire safety when choosing interiors. Their focus is usually cost and aesthetics, unaware of the deadly risks.
Government action: Introduce fire-safety labels/markings on materials, like energy ratings on appliances.
Community training: Local fire services can educate residents, especially during National Fire Service Week, about these hidden hazards.
Awareness campaigns: Housing societies, schools, and social media platforms can help spread fire-safety education.
While electrical faults may ignite a fire, it is synthetic materials that often fuel the blaze, accelerate its spread, and release toxic gases that kill.
By choosing safer alternatives, demanding government labeling, and increasing awareness, we can significantly reduce fire hazards in modern buildings.
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