Abstract
Of the many sources of toxic contaminants in the space cabin atmosphere, thermal decomposition products from elastomers, plastics and other compounds are the most hazardous. A study of the decomposition characteristics and toxicity of several of these materials indicates that the smoke and fumes given off contribute significantly to the toxicity predicted on the basis of gaseous decomposition products only. Removal of normal air contaminants is within the present state-of-the-art capability but protection against thermal decomposition products caused by fire may not be economically feasible except by depressurization and atmosphere replacement.