NFPA 40

ANEXO A
A.3.3.1

The terms Cellulose nitrate film and nitrate film are preferable to
nitrocellulose, however, for practical purposes, the terms are synonymous.
The film can be in the form of unexposed film, positive prints, negatives, or
used film.
Cellulose nitrate contains chemically combined oxygen, sufficient un amount
so that it can partially burn or decompose without the presence of air. The
gases formed during burning or descomposition are both toxic and
flammable and can be produced so rapidly as to crate dangerous pressures
in building structures and severe hazard to life. Free burning of the material
results in the production of less toxic gases, but due to the rapid burning,
such fires are intense and still represent a serious life hazard. The actual
heat of combustin of cellulose nitrate film is 13,944 kJ/kg to 18, 921 kJ/kg
(6000 BTU/lb to 8000 BTU/lb) compare with 16,268 kJ/kg to 18,921 kJ/kg
(7000 BTU/lb to 8000 BTU/lb) for wood. However, the rate of combustin is
about 15 tomes greater than combustiosn rate of wood in similar form.
For many years, motion picture film was manufactured with a supporting
film base of cellulose nitrate, commonly called nitrocellulose. Since 1951, no
cellulose nitrate film base of any kind has been manufactured in the US.
Also, the use of cellulose nitrate film in theaters has virtually cesased.
However, large quantities of cellulose nitrate film still exist and will remain
in storage for many years