TOXICITY INDEX By Rohit Damodaran

1. TOXICITY INDEX
Introduction
In today's world, wires and cables are essential components of our daily lives. From powering
our homes and offices to running our smartphones and computers, wires and cables play a
vital role in keeping us connected and productive. However, it is important to consider the
safety of these cables, especially in the event of a fire. When exposed to high temperatures,
wires and cables can potentially release harmful gases that can pose a threat to human health.
This is where the toxicity index comes in, which measures the level of toxicity of a material
under testing.
What is the Toxicity Index?
The toxicity index is a measure of the level of toxicity of a material, based on the analysis of
certain small molecular gaseous species that arise from the complete combustion of the
material under testing. The exposure level of each gas is used to produce fatality in 30
minutes as a base, and the toxicity index is mathematically computed using the weight of the
sample and the weight of the gas produced by the combustion of the material. The critical
concentration for a 30-minute exposure of each gas is also taken into account to determine
the toxicity index.
The toxicity index values for the different components of a cable are then combined to derive
a toxicity index value for the entire cable. This value represents the toxicity balanced for all
cable, which takes into account the total weight of the cable and the weight of the individual
components.
Why is the Toxicity Index Important?
The toxicity index is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that wires and cables
are safe for human use. By measuring the level of toxicity of a material, manufacturers can
take steps to improve the safety of their products and protect the health and wellbeing of their
consumers.
Secondly, the toxicity index can also be used as a tool for regulatory compliance. In many
countries, there are strict regulations in place that require cables to meet certain safety
standards. By testing the toxicity index of their cables, manufacturers can ensure that they are
compliant with these regulations and avoid potential legal issues.
Finally, the toxicity index is also important for environmental sustainability. Cables that
release harmful gases in the event of a fire can contribute to air pollution and damage the
environment. By reducing the toxicity of cables, manufacturers can contribute to a cleaner
and safer environment for all.
The Siechem Wires and Cables Toxicity Index
One example of a company that has tested the toxicity index of its cables is Siechem, a
leading manufacturer of wires and cables. The company has tested the toxicity index of its
cables using the formula mentioned above, which takes into account the weight of the sample

2. and the weight of the gas produced by the combustion of the material, as well as the critical
concentration for a 30-minute exposure of each gas.
The toxicity index values for the different components of the cable are then combined to
derive a toxicity index value for the entire cable. In the case of Siechem wires and cables, the
toxicity index value for the entire cable is below 3, which indicates that the cable is relatively
safe for human use.

3. Conclusion
In conclusion, the toxicity index is a valuable tool for ensuring the safety of wires and cables.
By measuring the level of toxicity of a material, manufacturers can take steps to improve the
safety of their products and protect the health and wellbeing of their consumers. The toxicity
index is also important for regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.
Companies such as Siechem are leading the way in ensuring that their cables are safe for
human use and contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for all.
Sources:
Toxicity Index Calculation from
https://www.siechem.com/tech-support/toxicity-index/