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Like any other chemical process, combustion releases substances. We will see in further detail what these substances are.

 

FLAMES: LIGHT AND HEAT
Flames, that is to say light and heat, can be considered products of combustion.

LIGHT

The colour of flames is useful to approximately calculate the temperature of the fire, as shown in the following table:

Colour of the flame

Temperature (°C)

Scarlet

525

Dark red

700

Cherry red

900

Dark yellow

1100

Light yellow

1200

White

1300

Bright white

1500

HEAT
Heat is the direct result of the generation of energy during combustion, and it is the main cause for its propagation. Man can stand a maximum temperature of 150°C for less than 5 minutes, but only when the humidity of air is very low. As the humidity of air increases, the limit of tolerable heat for a human being decreases. At an average humidity level, it is possible to tolerate at most 50°C for a hour. We need to consider the fact that, during combustion, a great amount of steam is produced, that increases the humidity of air. Direct consequences of heat on human body are dehydration of tissues, difficulty or inability to breathe and burns. Burns can be first degree (reddened skin, easy and spontaneous recovery), second degree (blisters, medical cures are needed) or third degree (under the dermis, tissue can be charred; hospitalization, and, in some cases, skin graft, is needed).