Emission of Hazardous Substances During Fires in Selected Facilities

Fires are among the few processes that significantly impact the state and quality of the environment. Depending on the type and quantity of materials, products, or waste accumulated at a given location, various substances can be released into the environment during a fire. Knowledge of the potential hazards resulting from emission levels allows for appropriate action to be taken and protective measures to be implemented for those present at the scene. Therefore, this article analyzes the composition of emissions depending on the type of material involved in the fire, with particular emphasis on forest fires, substance dumps, and waste disposal sites. An analysis of the available literature revealed the presence of countless toxic organic and inorganic substances, including ultrafine particles and nanoparticles of metals, nonmetals and their compounds, and compounds with long-term toxic and mutagenic effects, such as benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), formaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene. The development of new materials influences the composition of gases and fumes released during fires; therefore, continuous quantitative and qualitative analysis, the development of appropriate analytical tools, and legal requirements are essential.