Flame retardants at a crossroads

摘要

If we had to choose between fire safety or safety from health risks, which would it be? Obviously, the choice would be both. Every day, we are in contact with objects that are potentially flammable or fire hazards, such as those made from plastics, fabrics, wood and paper. These materials could exacerbate the fires coming from faulty wirings, heating cooking appliances, lit candles, smoking, and other causes. Flame retardant additives, which have been in use in many consumer and industrial products since the 1970s, can help delay their ignition. According to market research firm Ceresana, approximately 2.26 million tonnes of flame retardants(FRs) were processed worldwide in 2018.