Fire resistant materials, including natural fibers treated with fire-resistant chemicals, fiberglass fire blankets, and Nomex® flame-retardant clothing, are used in clothing and building materials. Asbestos, once widely used, is no longer used due to its carcinogenic properties. Fire-resistant building materials include stone, brick, steel, and fire-resistant wood products. Drywall fused with non-combustible material and glass fibers slows the spread of fire. Building codes require fire-resistant materials in certain areas. Check for UL FR-S classification for fire-resistant materials.
There are many different types of fire resistant materials used to make clothing, building materials, and other items. One material may be resistant to fire due to an infused chemical while others are naturally resistant to fire. Fire resistant materials should self-extinguish once the ignition source is removed. Refinery workers, electricians, foundry workers, maintenance workers, and energy and electrical service workers wear flame retardant clothing in their daily activities. Fireproof materials, designed to resist burning and heat, are not the same as fireproof materials designed to retard fire or burn more slowly.
When properly prepared and manufactured with a tightly woven texture, natural fibers such as wool and cotton can be treated with fire-resistant chemicals or fire inhibitors to provide effective fire resistance. Some fire blankets are made from fiberglass and are best suited for small home cooking fires or a fire that starts in clothing. Nomex®, a flame-retardant meta-aramid polymer related to nylon, was developed in the 1960s and is used in many types of flame-retardant clothing.
Deteriorating asbestos is a mineral fiber that is highly resistant to heat and fire. It was widely used in all kinds of fire resistant materials until the mid-20th century. Asbestos is no longer used because it is a harmful carcinogen. Anything made of or containing asbestos must be carefully removed and disposed of in accordance with local hazardous materials laws and regulations.
Nearly 40% of fire victims are killed in their sleep by smoke inhalation or fire, so there is a demand for fire resistant building materials such as drywall, paint, exterior siding and roofing materials. There are many types of fire resistant building materials that are used for the exteriors, interiors and roofs of houses, such as stone, brick, cast iron, steel, concrete and even fire resistant wood products. The fire resistant materials used in construction are designed to maintain their strength, durability and structural integrity as temperatures rise during a fire. There are also some phosphate-free and environmentally friendly fire retardant wood products available for those who wish to use an environmentally friendly product.
Fire resistant building materials also include drywall in which non-combustible material and glass fibers have been fused into the gypsum core. This prevents the panel from disintegrating and slows the spread of a fire. Building codes typically require some sort of fire-resistant drywall in utility and furnace rooms and attached garages of homes, and apartment and condominium building codes may require the use of fire-resistant materials in ceilings and in the walls. There are a few brands of fire resistant paint available, but most of these brands are actually fire resistant. Be sure to check if a fire resistant product has an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) FR-S classification for the surface burning characteristics of fire resistant materials.
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