This article examines electrochemical carbon monoxide (CO) sensors used as mobile devices by rescue and firefighting units in Poland. The conducted research indicates that the presence of chlorine (Cl₂), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO₂), and sulfur (IV) oxide (SO₂) in the atmosphere does not affect the functioning of the electrochemical CO sensor. In the case of this sensor, there was a significant cross effect in relation to hydrogen (H₂). It was found that the time and manner of using the sensor affects the behavior in relation to H₂. Such a relationship was not recorded for CO. Measurements in a mixture of CO and H₂ confirm the effect of hydrogen on the changes taking place inside the sensor. Independently of the ratio of H₂ to CO, readings of CO were flawed. All analyses showed a significant difference between the electrochemical CO sensor readings and the expected values. Only in experiments with a 1:3 mixture of CO and H₂ was the relative error less than 15%. The relative error in the analyzed concentration range for a sensor with an additional compensation electrode ranged from 7% to 38%; for a sensor without this electrode, it ranged from 23% to 55%. It was ascertained that in the cases of measurements for tests carried out at higher concentrations of H₂ in relation to CO, a sensor with an additional electrode is significantly better (more accurate) than a sensor without such an electrode. Differences at the significance level p = 0.01 for measurements made in the CO:H₂ mixture at a ratio of 1:3 were ascertained.

Fires in landfills, where used plastic packaging waste is discarded, have shown how great a fire hazard these types of materials pose. In this study, the course of thermo-oxidation of samples made of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based plastics was determined. Based on an analysis of the dissociation energy of bonds between atoms in a polymer molecule, the mechanisms responsible for the character and course of degradation were observed. It was found that the degradation rate of PP and PS could be a result of the stability of C-H bonds on the tertiary carbon atom. In the case of PS, due to facilitated intramolecular hydrogen transfer, stabilization of hydroperoxide, and formation of a stable tertiary alcohol molecule, the onset of degradation is shifted towards higher temperatures than in the case of PP. Notably, the PP fragmentation occurs to a greater extent due to the easier course of β-scission. In addition, it was found that during a fire, the least amount of heat would be generated by thermo-oxidation of PS-based plastics. This is a result of the formation of a styrene molecule during decomposition that, due to the high stability of bonds in the aromatic ring, escapes from the combustion zone without oxidation. It has been proven that the greatest thermal effect accompanies PET decomposition, during which a phenyl radical is produced, where the C-H bonds break more easily in comparison with the bonds of an intact ring.

This study assessed inhalation exposure to particulate matter (PM₁)-bound mercury (Hg_p) and PM₁-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among university students. For this purpose, simultaneous indoor (I) and outdoor (O) measurements were taken from two Polish technical universities (in Gliwice and Warsaw) located in distinct areas with respect to ambient concentrations and major sources of PM. The indoor geometric mean concentrations of Hg_p were found to be 1.46 pg·m⁻³ and 6.38 pg·m⁻³ in Warsaw and Gliwice, while the corresponding outdoor concentrations were slightly lower at 1.38 pg·m⁻³ and 3.03 pg·m⁻³, respectively. A distinct pattern was found with respect to PAH concentrations with estimated I/O values of 22.2 ng·m⁻³/22.5 ng·m⁻³ in Gliwice and 10.9 ng·m⁻³/11.12 ng·m⁻³ in Warsaw. Hazard quotients (HQs) as a result of exposure to Hg_p for students aged 21 ranged from 3.47 × 10⁻⁵ (Warsaw) to 1.3 × 10⁻⁴ (Gliwice) in terms of reasonable maximum exposure (RME). The non-cancer human health risk value related to Hg_p exposure was thus found to be below the acceptable risk level value of 1.0 given by the US EPA. Daily exposure values for lecture hall occupants, adjusted to the benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) toxicity equivalent (BaP_eq), were 2.9 and 1.02 ng·m⁻³ for the Gliwice and Warsaw students, respectively. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values with respect to exposure to PM₁-bound PAHs during the students’ time of study were 5.49 × 10⁻⁸ (Warsaw) and 1.43 × 10⁻⁷ (Gliwice). Thus, students’ exposure to indoor PAHs does not lead to increased risk of lung cancer.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) enables the passive detection and identification of chemical agent clouds from distances. It can be used for the monitoring of large spaces and protection of industrial installations outside buildings. The aim of the study was show the possibilities and limitations of passive FT-IR. In studies done by the Faculty of Fire Safety Engineering at the Main School of Fire Service were used spectrometer RAPID (Remote Air Pollution Infrared Detector), Bruker Daltonics Company. Hazardous substances such as acetone, methanol, ammonia was identified on-line from several observation points at 25 m, 50 m and 75 m. The tests were carried out at various meteorological conditions. The results indicate that remote infrared detection allows detecting hazardous chemical agents in the atmosphere from a distance. Nevertheless, meteorological and terrain conditions have a big impact on the measurement results. During measurements, the detector indicated the presence of other substances. Moreover, it was found that under cloudy and windy weather, remote detection is not possible.