Countervailing risks and benefits in the use of flame retardants

摘要

A short review is presented of a recent report for the UK Department of trade and Industry Consumer Safety Unit on the risks and benefits of flame retardant use in consumer products. We present some of its findings in the area of the toxicology of flame retardants and risk assessment during normal use and also when fire conditions exist. In particular, we explore ways in which the balance of risk can be assessed relating to the presence and absence of flame retardants under pre and post ignition conditions.