The increased use of foamed plastic insulation in buildings has led to concern over fire safety. Some of the potential fire hazards are identified. In particular, emphasis is placed on two issues: the spread of fire by combustible insulation within cavity walls, and the effect of insulation on the intensity of fire within rooms. These two issues have received a great deal of attention within the NRC/SPI Fellowship Program. The findings of several experimental studies conducted in the program (and complement ing earlier or concurrent research activities within NRC) are reviewed. The impact of the research on the fire safety regulations in the National Building Code of Canada are highlighted.
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