An assessment of smoke hazard development can be conducted by applying principles of smoke production and filling. The effect of exposure to smoke is a function of the magnitude of the smoke signature, e.g., concentration of gas species, visibility reduction, temperature, radiant flux, etc., and the duration of the exposure. Estimates of the height to the smoke layer interface and the smoke layer properties can be obtained using algebraic equations. Generally, the first smoke layer property that reaches a critical level is a reduction in visibility. The visibility can be reduced to 1 m or less even though the temperature rise and generation of toxic gases are relatively modest.

Units: SI