Article One
Journal: Constructing the Future, Spring Issue 31 2007, pp. 5/6

Title: FIRE AS A SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE- Fire Safety

“It is time that fire was much more widely recognized as a key sustainability issue”.
By: Martin Shipp

This article defines the issues relating to Fire within two categories: Fire as a primary sustainability issue and Fire as a secondary sustainability issue.
FIRE AS A PRIMARY ISSUE
Shipp discusses the damaging effects of Pollution by informing the reader of the chemical and environmental effects that elements such as carbon dioxide and other pollutants cause as a product of fire. He makes the reader aware that this is a global concern, thus the extent of a fire’s influence of the earth is quite alarming. Furthermore, he proceeds to make the reader aware of the pros and cons of using some fire retardants (PCBs) as, they too, can result in environmental damage; the possibility of contaminating water tables and rivers by water used in fire fighting; and the damage caused to building, which result in exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals or agents.
To appeal to the readers emotions rather then their logic Shipp then proceeds to evaluate the quality of life after a fire. The need for security from physical and emotional injuries that are caused by irresponsible actions that lead to fire, the lose of irreplaceable possessions and financial difficulties imposed on the family, businesses and communities.
FIRE AS A SECONDARY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE
Shipp evaluates the properties of new technologies and materials, stating the importance of monitoring the fire safety implications, as sustainable energy sources may themselves produce fire risks. For example, with new materials, the increase use of polymeric materials result in earlier ignition, faster fire growth and greater and more toxic quantities of smoke. This notion of experimenting and testing new methods and materials extends to types of thermal insulations and ventilation systems and their physical properties in relation to fire. The importance of good maintenance, proper instillation and comply with construction standards.
E.g. the danger of ventilation systems spreading smoke beyond compartment boundaries, or providing extra air for a fire if the system does not shut down.