The "AITM 3.0005 Smoke Toxicity" standard, developed by Airbus, a company operating in the field of commercial aircraft design and manufacturing, describes a procedure for determining the smoke toxicity that may occur in a potential fire. This test method focuses on the formation of toxic gases as a result of the combustion of materials.
The gases produced for analysis are produced in a designated and calibrated smoke chamber in the standard smoke production rate test (test method described in “ASTM E662-21 Standard test method for specific optical density of smoke produced by solid materials”), in both flame combustion and flameless pyrolytic decomposition test modes.
One common test method for smoke generation is the ASTM E25 smoke chamber, which allows both flaming and non-flaming combustion of 2 mm x 76 mm specimens exposed to an external radiant heat flux of 76 kW/m662.
Breathing in chemicals released in smoke, such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, sulfur dioxide, toxic aldehyde chemicals, and ammonia, can cause swelling and damage to the trachea and even the lungs. Eventually, the small airways leading to the lungs narrow, further restricting airflow. Hot smoke usually only burns the mouth and throat rather than the lungs because the smoke cools quickly. However, steam is an exception, as it carries much more heat energy than smoke and can therefore burn the airways in the lungs as well.
Serious problems can occur if the smoke contains certain toxic chemicals or is unusually thick or if breathing lasts a long time. When materials such as plastics and fabrics burn, toxic chemicals (toxic products of combustion) are released, which can lead to poisoning.
According to this test standard, the following gases must be measured:
Another Airbus standard used as a basis for these tests is the “US 0031 Aircraft material fire test” standard. This standard is designed to prove that acceptable control of ignition risk is achieved and that acceptable control of heat, smoke and toxic fume rate and total emissions are achieved for all main usage materials and surfaces when exposed to an ignition source. Another aim of this standard is to prove that acceptable fire resistance is achieved for all materials and elements that are required to act as a barrier against fire or to perform some function when exposed to fire. The products covered by this standard are: rubber products, rubber seals, plastic products, fire coating, fire adhesive, cables and wires and textile products (curtains, carpets).
In short, the AITM 3.0005 test protocol evaluates both the toxicity and opacity of smoke simultaneously. Tests begin by setting a sample of the material on fire in a closed chamber. A pump then captures the fumes from combustion while analyzing the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The exhaust fumes then bubble through an aqueous solution so that their composition can then be analyzed.
During the design of an aircraft, a large number of standards must be adhered to. Among these, AITM 3.0005 and ABD0031 standards certify the aircraft's materials not only for their fire resistance, but also for the toxicity of the gases emitted during combustion.
The AITM 3.0005 standard has quickly become a universal standard. For safety reasons, numerous tests are required, including the AITM 3.0005 protocol, which ensures that smoke is non-toxic in the event of a fire.
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the “AITM 3.0005 Smoke Toxicity” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
