Articles tagged with Flame
A study by Silent Spring Institute found high levels of toxic flame retardants in dust on college campuses, including carcinogens and hormone disruptors. The researchers detected 47 different chemicals and found that 41% of dorm rooms had levels above health risk screening levels.
The Flame Refluxer technology, developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with funding from BSEE, demonstrates potential for efficient oil burning while reducing emissions. The tests showed hotter fires consuming more oil, cleaner emissions, and less burn residue.
Researchers at KAUST developed a catalog of compounds formed during methane combustion, revealing surprising findings on ion formation and behavior. The study proposes improvements to simulate ion formation and behavior, with potential applications in more efficient gas turbines and less polluting power plants.
The Saffire-I experiment aims to study how fires grow and spread in microgravity, with the goal of verifying fire-safety protocols for the ISS and future manned flights to Mars. The experiment will use a heated wire to ignite a large cloth sample, and researchers will monitor its growth and spread.
A study by Indiana University researchers has found a strong relationship between the levels of flame retardants in hair and nails and those in blood, providing a non-invasive way to measure exposure. The discovery could lead to further research into the human impact of environmental pollutants like flame retardants.
A team of chemists from ITMO University has developed a novel type of firefighting foam based on inorganic silica nanoparticles, beating existing analogues in fire extinguishing capacity and thermal stability. The new foam is fully biodegradable and non-toxic to living organisms.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a new flame retardant made from polydopamine, a natural compound found in humans and animals. The nanocoating reduces fire intensity by 67% and is about 20% better than existing flame retardants.
The Little Bobtail Lake fire has grown significantly, burning over 13,000 hectares and threatening nearly 700 homes. Drought conditions and dry debris are fueling the fire, with unpredictable weather patterns making it difficult to contain.
Researchers at the University of Houston found a link between flame retardants and obesity in zebrafish exposed to compounds, suggesting these chemicals may contribute to weight gain. The study used zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the effects of two common flame retardants on body mass.
Pregnant women exposed to high levels of flame-retardants are more likely to deliver babies early, with over 15 million preterm births occurring annually worldwide. Researchers analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found a correlation between flame-retardant chemicals and preterm birth.
A new study found that people are contaminated with several toxic flame retardants, including TCEP, a carcinogen linked to cancer and reproductive harm. The study identifies biomarkers for detection in urine samples, opening up research into the group of chemicals.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a shape-changing soft robot that can navigate through snow, puddles of water, flames, and withstand crushing forces. The robot's resilience has implications for search and rescue missions.
A team of international researchers discovered a new type of cool burning flame in space that could lead to cleaner and more efficient engines for cars. The discovery was made on the International Space Station using microgravity, which allowed the flames to burn at cooler temperatures without producing pollutants.
A new study has found that flame retardants are prevalent indoors in preschools and day care centers, potentially exposing young children to hazardous chemicals. The study reveals high levels of PBDEs and tris phosphate compounds in dust samples, with concentrations often higher in facilities with foam equipment.
Fires in San Diego County have burned over 10,000 acres, destroying dozens of homes and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Firefighters are battling the flames with assistance from military aircraft and tankers, but high temperatures and winds are making it a challenging effort.
Researchers create multi-walled carbon nanotube-based coating that reduces foam flammability by 35%, preventing melting and pooling of the foam. This innovation aims to reduce the fire threat associated with burning soft furniture in homes by about a third.
Resident concerns rise as sugar cane fires get too close to homes despite controlled burns being conducted. The absence of a regulating agency is a major issue, leaving farmers and homeowners at risk.
Wildfires in Cordoba province, Argentina, cause evacuation of 480 people due to strong winds and heat. Firefighters struggle with flames, one man seriously injured after being struck by a tree.
The Rim Fire has spread deeper into Yosemite National Park, destroying 111 buildings and threatening thousands of homes. The fire has a relatively flat path, making it difficult for firefighters to control, with almost all containment coming from the southwest edge.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize how brominated flame retardants bind to proteins like estrogens, potentially disrupting the body's natural hormones. The study sheds light on the effects of flame retardants on human health and provides insights for developing safer alternatives.
Fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira have destroyed up to eleven houses and forced evacuations, with another fire rekindling concerns in the area.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed non-toxic flame retardants, replacing conventional halogenated chemicals. The new compounds, derived from organic phosphorus, have been shown to be effective without harming the manufacturing process or environment.
Researchers from UT Austin found that small fires can muffle the PASS device's alarm, merging its two distinct whistles into one. Increasing the alarm volume may help mitigate this issue.
Scientists have developed a new flame retardant coating that reduces heat release and prevents foam dripping, making it a safer alternative for upholstered furniture. The coating is made with a relatively benign polymer and creates a gas blanket, preventing oxygen from fueling fires.
Geologists at Indiana University studied the 'Eternal Flame' in Erie County, N.Y., which may feature high concentrations of ethane and propane. The researchers identified natural gas seeps in the region, suggesting they could contribute to atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
A new imaging technique using infrared digital holography allows firefighters to see through thick veils of smoke and walls of flame to find people in need of rescue. The system can capture a live, 3-D movie of the room and its contents, enabling the detection of moving people.
A study by Indiana University researchers found flame retardants at global locations, with high concentrations detected in tree bark samples, particularly in urban areas and near manufacturing facilities. The technique of using tree bark as a sampling medium proves effective in detecting these pollutants.
A study found that 93% of new couches purchased in the last seven years contained flame retardants. The most concerning were 'Tris' chemicals, which are considered probable human carcinogens and have raised health concerns. Researchers detected untested or high-risk flame retardants in over half of the analyzed foam samples.
A peer-reviewed study found that most houses have levels of at least one flame retardant exceeding federal health guidelines, with hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and chemicals of unknown safety profiles detected. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to phase out hazardous chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created an acoustic navigation system that can locate open doors inside burning buildings. The system uses a parametric array to create focused sound waves that can penetrate moderate-sized flames, providing firefighters with vital information to navigate safely.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel clay-based coating that outperforms traditional flame retardants in polyurethane foam, reducing flammability by up to 17% while requiring only half the amount of chemicals.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a new property of flames that allows for the control of reactions at solid surfaces, opening up new fields of chemical innovation. This breakthrough has significant implications for future technologies, including air quality detection and greenhouse gas management.
A new study by Anna A. Stec and colleagues found that some flame retardants increase the release of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide during combustion, leading to more deaths from fire injuries than burns themselves.
Research on the International Space Station aims to better understand fuel combustion and improve fire-fighting techniques in space. The experiments, led by Professor Forman Williams, investigated the behavior of fuels in different atmospheric conditions and pinpointed the limiting oxygen index for methanol and heptane.
Researchers developed an infrared-based method to measure material temperatures in the presence of flames, providing a clear picture of thermal behavior. This technique has applications in the aeronautical industry and can be applied in other sectors where fire resistance is crucial.
Scientists have discovered that unconfined flames can spontaneously form detonations in reactive gases and astrophysical systems, providing a missing link for theoretical models of Type la supernovae. The research team used computer simulations to study the deflagration-to-detonation transition in hydrogen-air and methane-air mixtures.
A new, eco-friendly flame retardant made from layers of positively and negatively charged polymers has been developed to protect cotton fabrics. The coating, dubbed 'nano intumescent,' significantly reduces the flammability of cotton and can even prevent ignition when exposed to direct flames.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health found that exposure to flame retardants during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. The study, led by Kim Harley, found a significant correlation between PBDE levels in mothers' blood and baby weights, with a 115-gram decrease ...
A pilot study at UCSF found the highest levels ever reported of banned flame retardants among pregnant women worldwide, with high levels associated with thyroid hormone disruption. The chemicals were linked to liver, thyroid, and neurodevelopmental toxicity, highlighting concerns over exposure in lower-income populations.
Researchers at NIST and Texas A&M University developed a coating made of carbon nanofibers and polymers that significantly reduces flammability in polyurethane foam. The coating achieved reductions of up to 158 percent better than nonhalogen flame retardants and 1,138 percent better than halogen-phosphorous flame retardants.
A North Carolina State University researcher is working on a project to develop new testing technologies for evaluating gear worn by wildland firefighters. The goal is to create clothing that provides better balance between comfort and thermal protection. The team will use an instrumented manikin called RadMan to study radiant heat and...
Scientists have detected potentially toxic flame retardants in 80% of baby products containing polyurethane foam. The study reveals compounds associated with pentaBDE, a substance banned in many countries due to health risks, as well as two potential carcinogens.
Scientists have discovered a way to extinguish fires using electrical waves, which could provide a new genre of fire-fighting devices. The technology could allow firefighters to put out fires remotely and save water, making it a promising solution for fighting fires in enclosed spaces.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.
Scientists have validated a new organoclay material that is safer and more environmentally friendly for making plastics. The new material achieves mass producible organoclays that are cheaper and generate less dust compared to current alternatives.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Peter Sunderland, has created a double-flame burner to improve our understanding of soot formation and oxidation. This innovation aims to design cleaner and more efficient engines that reduce pollution and harm lung diseases.
The University of California, Berkeley researchers argue that California can learn from Australia's 'Prepare, stay and defend' strategy, which trains residents to actively defend their homes against wildfires. The policy has been shown to reduce risk and increase survival rates in Australia.
Researchers tested two flame retardants on Douglas-fir and Fraser fir trees, finding no benefit to quality or life; in fact, chemical retardants sped up drying process and made trees more flammable.
Researchers used a NYC high-rise as a fire laboratory to study wind-driven flame, smoke, and gas spread through corridors and stairways. Positive pressure ventilation fans and prototype devices helped control deadly heat and smoke from wind-driven fires.
Researchers have developed a method to control the size of nanoparticles, allowing for mass production and diverse applications. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like medicine, renewable energy, and cosmetics, where nanoparticles can be tailored to perform specific tasks.
The study found that positive pressure ventilation significantly reduced temperatures and smoke in corridors and stairwells, making them safer for occupants and responders. The experiment involved 11 NIST researchers and over 70 local staff, simulating real-world conditions to assess the effectiveness of PPV in multistory buildings.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has adopted a new federal standard for mattresses, setting a maximum heat release rate to reduce the risk of flashover. The standard is expected to save an estimated 270 lives and prevent 1,330 injuries annually.
Researchers at CCNY and Lehman College found that magnetic avalanches can propagate like a flame, releasing magnetic energy into a crystal. This phenomenon, known as 'magnetic burning', has potential applications in understanding combustion dynamics.
Researchers detect enols in flames for the first time, revealing a new class of chemistry. The discovery uses a novel technique to distinguish between molecules and has potential applications in reducing pollutants and improving fuel cells.
Astronomers confirm that the Virgo Cluster of galaxies is a highly non-uniform structure consisting of several subunits. The cluster's formation history can be studied using planetary nebulae stars, which trace the masses within the region. These findings provide new insights into the dynamic evolution of galaxy clusters.
Solid fuel particles may be a safer alternative to gaseous fuels for use in hazardous environments on Earth, as they burn more efficiently in microgravity. Researchers used the NASA 'Vomit Comet' aircraft to simulate weightlessness and measure burning characteristics of various solid fuel particles.
Flameout in nonprofit sectors can occur when personal control structures fail to work well, leading to destructive behavior such as embezzlement or sexual misconduct. Self-regulation and board action are crucial to prevent such destruction and maintain trust in the sector.
Astronauts will test a new commercial fire-fighting system that uses fine water mist to put out blazes, reducing damage and environmental harm. The system's effectiveness in microgravity has been shown to be superior to traditional sprinklers, with water mists requiring one-tenth the water to extinguish a flame.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new type of flame retardant material that is also lightweight and strong. The materials, which are based on phenolic resin, have been shown to burn at near-zero rates, making them ideal for use in structures such as offshore oil platforms and tunnels.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute created a 2D system to study fire propagation, revealing that flame dynamics follow simple laws governing penetration of liquids into porous materials. This breakthrough provides a low-cost alternative to studying fire in space and could aid in detecting slow-moving flames in aircraft.