20/07/2026
The recent Bangkok bar fire is a tragic reminder that in many building fires, the flames are not the primary cause of death—it's the toxic smoke.
According to autopsy findings released by Thailand's Institute of Forensic Medicine, 27 victims died from Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) poisoning after inhaling smoke, with forensic experts warning that exposure to high concentrations of these gases can be fatal within minutes.
đź“° Read the report here:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangkok-bar-fire-victims-smoke-inhalation-thailand-6260351
While the exact source of the toxic gases is still under investigation, enclosed spaces such as bars, restaurants and entertainment venues typically contain many combustible materials that can contribute to toxic smoke during a fire. These may include acoustic foam, decorative finishes, upholstered furniture, wall and ceiling linings, plastics, cables, and insulation materials used in HVAC systems, such as air-conditioning duct insulation and chilled water pipe insulation.
For those of us in the HVAC industry, this tragedy is a timely reminder that insulation selection should consider more than just thermal performance, condensation control and energy efficiency.
When specifying insulation for air-conditioning ducts, chilled water pipes and air distribution systems, we should also ask:
If a fire occurs, what gases will this insulation release?
Many insulation materials can contribute to fire growth and generate toxic smoke. Some nitrogen-containing insulation materials may also release Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), while most combustible insulation materials generate Carbon Monoxide (CO) during incomplete combustion.
The attached comparison highlights the combustion characteristics and potential toxic gas emissions of some of the most commonly used HVAC insulation materials. While every material has its place depending on the application, operating temperature and cost, understanding their behaviour in a fire is equally important.
For occupied buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shopping malls, airports and entertainment venues, where HVAC insulation is installed throughout the building and often concealed above ceilings or within service spaces, considering the potential generation of toxic smoke should form part of the material selection process alongside thermal performance and fire ratings.
As HVAC professionals, we have an opportunity to influence not only a building's energy efficiency, but also its fire safety. Material selection is one of the many engineering decisions that can contribute to improving occupant safety during the critical minutes of a fire.
Perhaps it's time we evaluate HVAC insulation not only by its thermal performance and fire ratings, but also by the toxicity of the gases it may release during a fire. Every material choice has implications—not just for energy efficiency, but for occupant safety.
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