Brandgassen

Brandgassen refers to the mixture of gases produced during the combustion of materials in a fire. In Dutch fire safety and fire science, the term covers the hot gases, smoke and vapors released by burning, including substances that pose thermal, toxic or asphyxiation hazards. The exact composition depends on the fuel and burning conditions, but common components include carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O), with carbon monoxide (CO) arising from incomplete combustion. Additional pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds and, from certain synthetic materials, hydrogen cyanide can be present.

The physical behavior of brandgassen—often very hot and buoyant—drives the rapid spread of smoke and heat through compartments, reducing visibility and oxygen concentration and increasing the risk to occupants and responders. The hazard profile varies with the fire stage: flaming fires produce different gas mixes than smoldering fires, but both generate toxic and irritant gases alongside heat.

Safety relevance and management: Fire detection and alarm systems commonly monitor gases like CO to provide early warning, while ventilation and smoke-control systems are designed to dilute and remove brandgassen from affected spaces. When interventions are required, protective equipment and breathing apparatus are used by responders due to toxic exposure risks. In building design, compartmentation, smoke barriers and dedicated extraction serve to limit the spread of brandgassen and improve occupant safety.

See also: rook, brandveiligheid, brandbestrijding.