BSS 7239 Aircraft Material Fire Test - Toxicity

BSS 7239, a Boeing Safety Standard, defines a test method for the production of toxic gases by certain materials upon combustion. When materials burn or ignite, they release gases that are harmful to human health when they reach certain levels. This standard is for burning a piece of sample material measuring 7.6 x 7.6 cm in a controlled environment and determining exactly what and how much toxic gases are emitted. The main gases controlled by this test method are:

• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• Hydrogen chloride (HCL)
• Hydrogen fluoride (HF)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

In general, there are multiple methods applied to determine toxicity levels. One of the most commonly used methods is spectrophotometry. This method is based on the fact that different compounds absorb light differently. From the glow of the light passing through the smoke formed as a result of the combustion of the test material, it is determined exactly which compounds it contains and at what concentrations these compounds are.

There are other tests that are done together with this test. For example, the following test methods are carried out with this flammability test:

• The test method described in the ASTM E162 standard that exposes materials to a radiant heat source to test the flame spread factor and heat development factor.
• The test method described in the ASTM E662 standard, which measures the smoke density of certain materials upon combustion (in this case, the smoke produced is tested for toxicity using spectrophotometry).

The test method described in the BSS 7239 standard is a highly effective toxic gas production test. This method is applied to measure the flame smoke toxicity of composites, textiles and coatings used in the railway, aircraft and government sectors. This is because the materials used must meet parts per million (ppm) standards. The results of this test show the actual concentration of toxic gases emitted during the combustion of a material.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides toxicity testing services in case of combustion of Boeing aircraft material, within the scope of BSS 7239 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.