The Enertech Edge – Smoke in Fires: Smoke Then and Now
The fire protection industry has made tremendous strides in saving lives in commercial buildings, hospitals, apartments, and other structures. Yet smoke remains a major – and often overlooked – threat. Modern building materials and furnishings burn faster and produce far more toxic smoke than the natural materials commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, escape times have decreased significantly, while risks to occupants and first responders have increased.
This issue of The Enertech Edge includes information about:
- What is Burning? Material Comparison
- Toxic Gases and Health Effects
- Health Impact
- Key Takeaways
About
Kent Maune is Senior Product Manager, Life Safety and Control Dampers, for United Enertech. His experience during more than 35 years in the HVAC industry (dampers and louvers) includes engineering, R & D, operations, sales, and extensive experience in the development and marketing of life safety product lines. He has also developed and conducted training seminars for code officials, engineers, fire marshals, architects, and sheet metal contractors on fire/smoke damper installation, options, and variations. Kent is a member of NEPA (National Fire Protection Association) and a chair of CARC (Code Action Review Committee). [email protected]
May 27, 2026