Toxic gas clouds produced by danger insulation

THE material used to insulate the exterior of the tower block would produce clouds of deadly cyanide when exposed to fire, experts have warned.

Celotex RS5000 – purchased for use in the refurbishment of the building – contains

polyisocyanurate, which creates a ‘lethal atmosphere’ when sufficiently hot by releasing highly poisonous hydrogen cyanide as well as carbon monoxide.

Experts at the University of Central Lancashire cautioned against its use in a 2011 academic paper, in which polyisocyanurate was ranked the ‘worst performing’ insulation material in terms of toxic emissions. Study authors Dr Ann Stec and Professor Richard Hull wrote: ‘Most fire deaths arise from inhalation of toxic gases.’