In response to our focus on flammability regulation reform in June's issue, Wayne Aaron, MD of speciality chemical manufacturer Texchem UK (part of Flamaway Group), explains the nuances of flame retardants, and why the debate should be around finding the best solution, rather than removing them altogether …
Flame retardants have become the subject of significant debate, but it is important to consider their role in fire safety alongside concerns about health and environmental impacts.
Flame-retardant substances are used in a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring and television casings to upholstered furniture. Some chemicals that serve as flame retardants in industrial applications are also used safely in other contexts. For example, magnesium hydroxide is used both as a flame-retardant additive and as the active ingredient in milk of magnesia for heartburn.
Some bromines are also used for water treatments in swimming pools and hot tubs. Such examples highlight the importance of evaluating individual substances rather than treating all flame retardants as a single category.
In the home, upholstered furniture represents the largest fuel load during a fire. Most modern sofas contain petroleum-based materials, including synthetic fabrics and PU foam, which contribute to rapid fire growth once ignited. As a result, reducing ignition remains a key fire-safety objective. No ignition, no fire!
Some campaigners have called for furniture regulations in the UK to align with the rest of Europe. However, the rest of Europe has over 5,000 furniture fire deaths a year! The US had a near 40-year downward trend in home fire deaths until they significantly reduced furniture fire safety in 2013. Since then, the statistics show a clear upwards trend, and upholstered furniture now persists as the leading item in deadly residential fires (according to the National Fire Protection Association).
Modern synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic and polypropylene can ignite readily when exposed to an open flame even for seconds. To reduce this risk, manufacturers may use flame-retardant treatments, barrier fabrics, or other flame-retardant technologies designed to delay ignition and slow flame spread to meet current regulations.
Today's modern flame retardants, which are already used by many fabric processors in the UK, are both safe for human health and the environment, and achieve the highest-possible Oekotex class 1 independent accreditation. Any debate should focus on selecting the safest and most effective fire-safety solutions rather than eliminating flame retardants altogether.
Read the full feature here.
