VOGT-CTE - WE DELIVER FLAME RETARDANTS

The increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, solar systems, and many electronic devices brings not only technological advancements but also new challenges in fire safety.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks, as conventional fire extinguishers designed for standard fire types are often not adequately effective.

This can delay extinguishment and significantly increase the extent of damage and danger. In response to this issue, “FlameBlock Lithium Black” is introduced as an innovative safety solution specifically developed for lithium-ion battery fires.

THE-FIRELAB - FLAME RETARDANTS

THE-FIRELAB
HYDRA-X
High-performance firefighting water additive for versatile use.

THE-FIRELAB
LITHIUM-BLACK
Lithium Black quickly extinguishes and controls lithium-ion battery fires

THE-FIRELAB
TITAN-ATOM
Fire protection system for the suppression of fires in electrical systems

THE-FIRELAB
MASTIC
High-performance, fire-resistant paste that creates fire protection barriers

THE-FIRELAB
FABRIC-SHIELD
Fabric Shield is an innovative, fire-retardant solution for fabric treatment.

THE-FIRELAB
NO-PANIC
No-Panic is a drop-in solution for combating pan and grease fires

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Vogt-CTE
Rescue
Business area for products related to rescue and emergency services

Vogt-CTE
Defense
Business field for products related to defense and security

Vogt-CTE
Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile power supply

Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business sector for fire protection and fire safety products

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The Toxicity of Smoke Gases in Fires

In the event of a fire, the greatest danger often does not come from the flames themselves, but from the smoke gases produced. Just a few breaths of highly concentrated combustion gases can lead to severe poisoning, unconsciousness, or even fatal consequences. The composition of smoke gases heavily depends on the material burning and the progression of the fire. Modern fire risks – particularly batteries, technical materials, and industrial substances – create especially complex and sometimes highly toxic gas mixtures.

The toxicity of smoke gases is a central risk in nearly all types of fires. Particularly battery fires and modern building fires produce highly toxic gas mixtures with corrosive and systemically acting components. Vegetation and industrial fires can cause widespread air pollution.

An effective fire protection concept must therefore consider not only fire suppression but also:

smoke gas management
appropriate respiratory protection measures
structural smoke barriers
rapid fire detection
preventive material selection

Protection against smoke gases is a crucial factor for the safety of emergency responders, employees, and the public.

General Hazards from Smoke Gases

Smoke is mostly a mixture of:

Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Fine particles and soot
Organic breakdown products
Solvent vapors

Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it is odorless and invisible, blocking oxygen absorption in the blood. Even low concentrations can become life-threatening within minutes. In modern fires, highly toxic gases from plastics, insulation materials, and electronic components are also generated.

Battery Fires (Lithium-Ion)

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries pose a special risk. Through the phenomenon of thermal runaway, extremely high temperatures are reached, causing the breakdown of electrolytes, plastics, and metal compounds. Typical substances released include:

Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen fluoride (HF)
Phosphorus compounds
Organic solvents
Fine metal oxides

Hydrogen fluoride is highly corrosive and can cause severe respiratory and lung damage even at low concentrations. Additionally, very fine particles are produced, which can penetrate deep into the lungs. Battery fires therefore generate not only heat but also highly reactive and toxic gas mixtures. Especially critical are enclosed spaces such as underground garages, workshops, or energy storage containers, where smoke gases can quickly accumulate.

Wildfires

Vegetation and forest fires release large amounts of the following substances:

Carbon monoxide
Fine dust
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides
Organic aldehydes

While natural biomass predominantly generates organic combustion products, toxicity increases significantly when buildings, vehicles, or infrastructure are burned. Fine dust poses the greatest health risk, as it penetrates deep into the airways and can promote cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged smoke exposure can also have health effects even far from the actual fire source.

Building Fires

Modern buildings contain a variety of synthetic materials: plastics, insulation, cable coatings, furniture, coatings. In the event of a fire, complex toxic mixtures are produced. Typical fire gases include:

Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen cyanide (from nitrogen-containing plastics)
Hydrochloric acid (from PVC)
Isocyanates
Dioxins
Soot particles

Hydrogen cyanide acts quickly toxic and can lead to respiratory arrest in a short time. In enclosed spaces, smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death in fires – not the burning itself.

Industry Fires

Industrial fires can release particularly hazardous substances depending on the type of production, such as:

Solvent vapors
Chlorine compounds
Sulfur oxides
Ammonia
Metal oxides
Fluorinated compounds

There is often an additional risk of chemical reactions, explosions, or secondary pollutant releases. Therefore, industrial fires require specific hazard analyses and respiratory protection plans.

Health consequences

The effects of toxic smoke gases can include:

Oxygen deprivation
Respiratory irritation
Lung damage
Neurological impairments
Cardiovascular problems
Long-term cancer risks from soot and organic pollutants

The danger increases significantly in enclosed spaces, inadequate ventilation, or delayed evacuation.

WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in fire extinguishing technology. Our solutions facilitate firefighting efforts, making them faster, safer, and less resource-intensive. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and make a real difference – saving lives every day. We don’t just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure these innovations reach those who need them most: those on the front lines conducting rescue operations.