Are Modern Fires More dangerous? Understanding the Risks of Smoke and New Materials

As sirens wail and smoke billows, the message frequently enough reassures: “No hazardous substances released.” But in an era of solar panels, electric vehicles, and advanced building materials, are fires truly less dangerous? While the immediate threat of flames remains, the composition of what burns introduces new complexities to fire safety.

The Persistent Danger of Smoke

Smoke inhalation poses a significant health risk in any fire scenario. Bart Raaijmakers of the Drenthe Security Region emphasizes that all fires release toxic substances. this holds true whether it’s a small trash can fire or a large-scale industrial blaze. The specific toxicity varies depending on the materials consumed, ranging from plastics and paints to treated wood and insulation ^[1].

The phrase “no hazardous substances released” typically indicates that measurements detect no *additional* exceptionally dangerous chemicals beyond the standard toxic smoke. However, this nuance often gets lost, potentially leading to a false sense of security. The smoke itself remains a health hazard, necessitating precautions such as staying away from the affected area and sealing windows and doors.

Did You Know? Wildfires release approximately 5 to 10 teragrams of mercury into the atmosphere annually, posing a global health concern ^[2].

Modern Materials, Modern Risks

The integration of new technologies and materials into our lives has altered fire dynamics. Solar panels, for instance, continue to generate electricity as long as light is present, even during a fire. This poses an electrocution risk to firefighters and complicates suppression efforts. Furthermore, intense heat can cause tiny glass particles to detach from the panels and spread across the surrounding area.

Battery fires, particularly those involving lithium-ion batteries found in electric bicycles, tools, and vehicles, present another growing concern. These fires produce substantial amounts of toxic smoke and are notoriously difficult to extinguish.Fire brigades classify them as “smoke with a chemical edge,” characterized by unpredictable behavior and significant risks to both people and the environment.

Pro Tip: If you have solar panels, ensure your local fire department is aware of their presence and location on your property. This information can be crucial for safe and effective firefighting.

Building Material Considerations

Modern building materials also contribute to the evolving fire landscape. Insulation materials used in cavity walls, such as EPS pearls and PUR foam, can generate large volumes of smoke with potentially harmful chemical compositions. While heat pumps themselves do not pose an increased fire risk due to their ability to be de-energized, the materials surrounding them