Flame retardant clothing is treated with chemicals or made from naturally flame-resistant materials to prevent burning in fires. It is used for high-risk workers and children’s clothing, and works by interrupting the combustion cycle. Some concerns exist about off-gassing from chemicals used in bedding materials.
Flame retardant clothing refers to clothing treated with flame retardant chemicals to prevent it from burning in the event of a fire. Some other varieties are made from fabric that is naturally flame retardant or from a combination of both methods. They are commonly used for workers in some high risk areas as well as in the manufacture of children’s clothing. Most clothing and bedding, especially those intended for high-risk individuals such as infants and military workers, must meet government standards for fire safety.
Most flame retardant clothing is coated with chemicals such as borax, chlorine or boric acid. These are flame resistant and do not burn under normal conditions. Those wearing clothing treated with these materials are generally protected from fire for much longer periods of time than those not wearing flame retardant clothing. Some provide more protection than others, as there are heavy-duty flame retardant clothing intended for those who work in very high risk situations. This commonly includes those in the military, some factory workers, and first responders with both fire and emergency medical teams.
Flame retardant clothing works by preventing the flame from reaching the clothing and the person wearing it. The chemicals used to make fire resistant clothing release bromine or chlorine, which combine with the atoms in the flame. This interrupts the combustion cycle by slowing down the reactions necessary for flames to occur. These chemicals generally act to remove certain compounds or elements needed to sustain fire.
Manufacturers of baby clothing are often required to distribute fire resistant clothing for young children. This is because children aren’t able to walk away from house fires like adults normally do, and it adds an extra layer of protection for them until help arrives. Bedding is also normally required to be fire retardant.
There have been some concerns about the use of flame retardants in bedding materials, as some studies show there is a period of off-gassing. This means that fumes from the chemicals used to make items fire resistant waft through the air. Whether or not this is a health issue is a matter of debate. Washing clothes and bedding before use can help offset any potential gas inhalation and potential skin irritation. This is an especially good idea when it comes to baby items.
Some flame retardant clothing is made from materials that naturally burn slowly. These can include organic cotton and wool, which are naturally less prone to burning because fire can be suffocated in the thick fibers. Some man-made fabrics, such as the aramid fabrics used in creating bulletproof vests, are also flame resistant. These can also be treated with chemical methods to increase their effectiveness.
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