Fire Safety

Flame retardants save lives

Through a variety of end-use applications (fire retardant fabrics, fire retardant clothing, furniture, televisions, computers, cars or airplanes), flame retardants have for many years shown their ability to save and protect lives.

Why do fires start?

A fire will start when a heat source heats fuel to its ignition temperature, at this point combustion will start as the result of the reaction between oxygen and the fuel source.

The risk of fire in everyday life is influenced by the fact that we are increasingly using products which are based on organic materials such as oil. As a result many of the items which form the basis of our modern life, televisions, furniture, computers etc will, when exposed to a suitable heat source such as an open flame, provide the fuel source for a fire and catch fire.

Flame retardants work by breaking the link between fuel, heat and oxygen minimising the risk of a full scale burn developing and increasing escape time.

Flame retardants were credited as a key factor in preventing loss of life after the Toronto Air Crash in August 2005. The plane had previously been subject to new regulations requiring fire-retardant treatment of seats, carpet and other materials.

Regardless of the end use applications (protective clothing, furniture, televisions, computers, cars or airplanes) flame retardants have for many years shown their ability to save and protect lives.