Halogenated plastic materials release corrosive gases in case of fire. PVC for example releases hydrogen chloride gas that forms together with humidity hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is extremely hazardous for the respiratory tract. As an electrically conductive substance it can cause short circuits, attack metals and destroy appliances. The corrosiveness of conflagration gases of plastic materials used in cable industry is tested according to standard IEC 60754-2 (DIN EN 60754-2, VDE 02482-754-2). During this test the pH value and the conductivity are determined by burning the material and washing it out. The standard is fulfilled if the pH value is >4,3, and the conductivity <10μS/mm. Materials containing halogens do not fulfil this requirement.