Trends in Building Codes

In tests of fires started in unfurnished full-scale rooms, the Factory Mutual Laboratories found in 1950 that wall finishes (wood) ignited but, in most cases, when the igniting fire had subsided the flame receded from walls and ceiling so that the temperature at breathing level never exceeded 300?F, untreated wood wall finishes should not be considered hazardous to life. Tests in 1953 by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory demonstrated that customary furnishings in most dwelling rooms provide enough fuel to create a serious fire regardless of whether the walls are combustible or noncombustible. The author concludes that smoke regulations are not justified except where a specific material is known to emit highly toxic gases when heated.

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