Which index measures the smoke developed by a material?

The Smoke-Developed Index is the correct measure for determining the amount of smoke that is produced by a material when it is subjected to fire. This index specifically assesses how much smoke is generated, which is crucial for understanding the potential hazards associated with limited visibility and toxic smoke during a fire event.

The significance of this index lies in its role in safety measures and codes, which aim to minimize risks in environments such as buildings or facilities where materials are implemented. A low Smoke-Developed Index indicates that a material produces less smoke, which is advantageous for occupant safety during a fire.

In contrast, the Flame Spread Index measures how quickly flames spread across the surface of a material, the Fire Resistance Index evaluates how long a material can withstand fire before failing, and the Emissions Index generally pertains to the pollutants released during burning but does not specifically focus on smoke development. Therefore, the Smoke-Developed Index is the most relevant and accurate measure for assessing smoke generation by materials in fire safety standards.