The Role of Cladding in the Grenfell Tragedy

The combustible cladding used on Grenfell Tower has been identified as a significant factor in the tragic fire that resulted in the loss of 72 lives. This cladding consisted of two layers of aluminum with a polythene core, which starts to drip and burn when exposed to heat, creating a dangerous situation. As the fire ignited and spread through the building, it moved rapidly upward and downward via gaps created by the cladding system, exacerbating the disaster. Notably, it was determined that the victims primarily succumbed to toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide, released when the insulation foam burned, rather than being directly killed by the flames themselves.