When fire burns, glass bottles can help keep a blaze alive.
In a new study published online Monday, researchers found that a glass bottle could also provide as much protection as a plastic bottle and a plastic fire extinguiser, even though the glass bottle may be more expensive.
“If you’re the type of person who’s in a hurry to get out of your house, you’re more likely to throw out the plastic bottle, rather than buy the glass,” said University of Toronto mechanical engineering professor Michael H. DeGrom, who led the study.
“But a plastic water bottle, or even a bottle that has been used to clean your kitchen, can be a lifesaver.”
The researchers found the effectiveness of the bottle depends on the type and quality of the material used.
When the researchers compared the performance of a plastic bag with a fire hose, the plastic bag was superior.
The plastic hose, however, did not provide as good protection as the plastic water bottles, which is good news for those who use them for water filtration and other home-based tasks.
DeMorgs group and other researchers say the benefits of the glass water bottle could be substantial.
“It’s one of those things that can be used in a number of different situations,” he said.
“A plastic water bag is much easier to clean than a fire hydrant.
A plastic water hose is a much easier way to clean a kitchen, and a water bottle can also be used for household cleaning.”
The glass bottle does not provide protection from carbon monoxide, but the researchers say it can provide protection against other types of gases.
The researchers also found that while it is not as effective in preventing CO, CO2, as a traditional fire extinguishing foam, it can reduce CO levels by as much as 50 per cent.
They say the glass glass bottle is not the only way to prevent CO, but that it offers significant advantages.
“We’re talking about reducing the amount of CO that is in the air, reducing the number of fires that are occurring in your home, and providing a safer environment,” DeMorge said.
The study was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
DeMarra, who teaches engineering at York University, is also an associate professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering.
