Study on the real-time size distribution of smoke particles for each fire stage by using a steady-state tube furnace method

• The size distributions and morphologies of smoke particles were measured.
• The smoke particles were generated using a steady-state tube furnace method.
• The size distributions were measured in real time using an ELPI.
• The morphologies were analyzed using a transmission electron microscopy.
• The size and shape of smoke particles differ considerably between fire stages.

For the analysis of the adverse effects of smoke on health, it is essential to determine the amount and location of smoke particles deposited in the respiratory tract. However, the deposition characteristics of the particles are influenced by their morphology and size distribution. Moreover, the real-time particle size distribution during inhalation is important for determining smoke particle deposition in the lungs. Smoke particles generated under different fire conditions differ in their physical and chemical characteristics. Thus, there is a need to adopt international standard methods for characterizing the particles generated in fire. In the present study, the size distributions together with morphology of smoke particles were measured for each fire stage by using the steady-state tube furnace method given in ISO/TS 19700. The size distributions of smoke particles from wood and polypropylene (PP) were measured in real time by using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI+), and their morphologies were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).