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On the admission of air the figures will be somewhat modified; more or less nitrogen dioxide will form and rather more pure nitrogen. According to another calculation, the combustion of celluloid film in a rarefied atmosphere results in the formation of 286 litres of gas, including:
72 litres of carbonic acid
107 » » carbon monoxide
95 » » nitrogen oxides
4 » » cyanic acid
(Report by Dr. Pleuss, Chemisch Techn. Reich sanstalt, Berlin)
Even though some experts reckon that, owing to the large proportion of nitrogen oxides, the hydrocyanic acid content does not greatly add to the poisonous character of the decomposition gases, I am of opinion that on the other hand the combustion gases are quite exceptionally poisonous. 0,06 gr. of hydrocyanic acid may be fatal, and this quantity can be given off from 10 gr. of celluloid film. Moreover, danger arises from the combination of the rapidly acting hydrocyanic acid with the slow-acting poison of carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide. Hydrocyanic acid is often not immediately fatal, but merely renders its victim incapable of quick escape, so that he remains exposed to the effects of the slower poisons. As we know, poison gases of this kind cling to the walls of burning rooms or even undergo loose chemical combination, from which they are only released after a considerable time and through ventilation and so may be dangerous to persons in such rooms. Gas-masks are of no use against these fumes, for masks working on the absorbing filter system protect against hydrocyanic acid and nitrogen dioxide but not against carbon monoxide, while the special apparatus which keeps out the latter affords no protection against prussic acid. The only perfect protection is furnished by the oxygen gas-mask, which admits no outer air at all.
Apart from poisonous gases celluloid films are a great danger to persons working in their vicinity owing to the way in which they burn. By reason of the large volume of gas celluloid decomposes by way of explosions. It sends up fiercely hot sheets of flame which may set fire to inflammable objects at a distance and cause serious injuries. The excessive heat, too, may decompose any celluloid film in the neighbourhood. Moreover, the psychological effects of these sheets of flame cannot be overlooked. They are a frequent source of panic — a point of especial importance in schools.
These dangers inherent in celluloid film necessitate special precautions, and the authorities of all civilised countries are under an obligation to observe the strictest care in its storage. On the other hand, the storing of safety-film is unattended by risks and is subject to no police regulations at all. Both in Germany and America safety-film is stored under the same conditions as large stocks of paper.