The first thing you should know about fire retardant fabrics is that there are two main types: Inherently or Chemically Treated.
Let’s take a look at inherently fire resistant fabrics. Before we get started, it’s important to note that no fabric is actually fireproof; given enough time, they will burn. That being said, there are some fabrics out there that resist fire more than others. For example, we all know that cotton burns easily and rapidly. However, fabrics like wool and Kevlar resist flames inherently because of the structure of the fiber. A tightly woven wool fabric will take longer to burn than cotton or linen.
Inherently fire retardant fabrics are excellent for use in your home, especially for things like curtains and drapes. (This is one way to protect your home and your family from not only fire, but chemically treated materials).
These fabrics can also be used in tents, health care fabrics, drapes, tarps, military applications, awnings, banners, and signs.
Finding the right manufacturer for your fire retardant project/product is essential; especially when considering chemically treated fire retardant fabrics.
The NFPA is the world’s leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and stand
So what are chemically treated fire retardant fabrics? Well, they are fabrics that have been coated with a fire resistant chemical.
Today, there are more than 175 different types of flame retardants, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These types of chemicals are divided into classes including: brominated, chlorinated, phosphorus-containing, nitrogen-containing, and inorganic flame retardants. Flame retardant chemicals are also known as PBDE’s or polybrominated diphenyl ethers.
Keep in mind that PBDEs are a chemical and you might have questions about its safety. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s Web site for more information at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=900&tid=183
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