Jul 10, 2025
A 2019 study revealed shocking data about the toxic exposure firefighters face during training burns involving oriented strand board (OSB). What’s worse—these levels often exceed those found in real house fires. This article breaks down what the research uncovered, why OSB poses such a serious risk, and how safer alternatives like HYDROBLOK materials can protect both builders and first responders.
Toxic Exposure in Fire Training Scenarios
Findings from the 2019 International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health Study
In a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, researchers discovered that just one day of fire training involving OSB exposed firefighters and instructors to over 30 times more toxic byproducts than typical training exercises.
In fact, these exposure levels were higher than those encountered during real residential fires.
Formaldehyde Levels Far Above Safety Limits
280 Times the Recommended NIOSH Limit
Another alarming finding: formaldehyde levels during OSB fire scenarios were over 280 times higher than the recommended ceiling limit set by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant that becomes highly concentrated when OSB burns, posing serious long-term health risks to anyone exposed.
Carcinogenic Chemicals Found in Firefighter Systems
1-Hydroxypyrene Levels Spike After OSB Training
Perhaps most disturbing, researchers recorded a 30-fold increase in 1-hydroxypyrene—a biomarker for carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—in instructors’ systems after a single day of OSB training burns.
These levels were 3.5 times higher than those found in firefighters who responded to actual structure fires (Fent, 2019).
Expert Recommendations: Reduce OSB Use
Because of these risks, fire safety experts are now urging reduced use of OSB in both training and construction.
As the study concluded:
“Efforts should be taken to minimize the use of OSB during training fires… particularly when possible to meet training objectives without the use of this material.” (Fent, 2019)
HYDROBLOK’s Safer Alternative
Building for Performance and Protection
At HYDROBLOK, we believe that building materials should protect—not endanger—the people who use them.
Our systems are Class A fire-rated, offering the highest level of fire resistance available. HYDROBLOK’s materials have a flame spread 13 times lower than OSB, making them a smarter and safer choice for homeowners, contractors, and the firefighters who safeguard our communities.
Because Your Home—and Your Health—Deserve Better
Choosing the right materials isn’t just about performance—it’s about protection.
By opting for HYDROBLOK, you’re choosing safety, durability, and peace of mind for years to come.
Fent, K. (2019, July 2). Firefighters’ and instructors’ absorption of pahs and benzene during training exercises. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S143846391930313X?via%3Dihub
Fent, K. (2019, June 6). Understanding Airborne contaminants produced by different fuel packages during training fires. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15459624.2019.1617870
