ASTM E1678-97

1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers a means for determining the lethal toxic potency of smoke produced from a material or product ignited while exposed to a radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m for 15 min.

1.2 This test method is limited to test specimens no larger than 76 by 127 mm (3 by 5 in.), with a thickness no greater than 51 mm (2 in.). Specimens are intended to be representative of finished materials or products, including composite and combination systems. This test method is not applicable to end-use materials or products that do not have planar, or nearly planar, external surfaces.

1.3 Lethal toxic potency values associated with 30-min exposures are predicted using calculations that use combustion atmosphere analytical data for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen (vitiation) and, if present, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen bromide. The calculation method is therefore limited to those materials and products whose smoke toxicity can be attributed to these toxicants.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations (particularly with regard to the care and use of experimental animals) prior to use. For specific hazards statements, see Section 7 and Note X1.1.