Fire Retardant Spray For Upholstery Fabric? All Answers

If you are looking for a natural flame retardant fabric, wool is the answer. Boric acid can be purchased from pharmacies and many other stores as it is used for a variety of topical medicinal purposes. Since it also acts as a natural insect repellant, when purchasing boric acid from the gardening department, make sure the product is boric acid only and does not contain an insecticide.

Fire retardant textiles have revolutionized the way people live. When a property burns down, any curtains in it are usually the main propagators of the fire due to their flammability. However, the development of fire curtains made from flame retardant fabrics has helped reduce the incidence of property fires. These substances help keep fires at bay longer and make buildings safer.

In this article you will learn more about this wonderful fabric.

What is fire retardant fabric?

The first thing you need to know is the difference between fireproof and fire retardant fabrics. Fireproof means that the material is naturally composed of non-combustible materials. Because of their chemical composition, they can withstand flames.

On the other hand, fire retardant fabrics are designed to self-extinguish when exposed to an open flame. They are chemically treated to slow down the burning process or not to burn at all. A substance is considered flame retardant if it takes a long time to burn compared to other types of similar materials.

Two types of fire retardant fabrics

A flame retardant fabric is a textile that is flame retardant. There are two types of fire retardant fabrics that you can buy on the market today: inherent and chemically treated fabrics.

Inherent Flame Retardant – These fabrics have inherent flame retardant properties. No flame retardant properties were added to the fibers during development. They are resistant from the start and are not subjected to any additional treatment. Fabrics such as wool and Kevlar can withstand flames longer than cotton or linen due to their natural structure. These are excellent textiles to protect your home from a fire.

Chemically Treated Fabric – Textiles in this category are originally combustible materials that have been treated with chemicals to make them flame retardant. They are treated with flame resistant chemicals by various methods. They can prevent a fire from starting, suppress it or slow its spread.

How are flame retardant fabrics made?

When it comes to chemically treated fabrics, there are two common ways to treat them and make them fire retardant:

Chemical immersion technique – As the name suggests, the textile is immersed in a chemical solution. When the chemical substance is absorbed by the fibers, it acts as a shield against flames. These chemicals are activated when there is excessive heat and a chemical reaction takes place. The process is similar to how fire extinguishers put out a fire. This technique is best suited for fabrics made from natural materials.

Coating Technique – With this method, textile manufacturers apply a fire retardant back coating to the fabric rather than soaking it. However, this process makes the textile rigid and inflexible, resulting in a less natural-looking drape.

All flame retardant fabrics must undergo a series of laboratory tests before they are approved for public use. Here are some of the processes they go through:

Evaluation of the strength of fire retardant properties

Testing the speed at which the textiles catch fire using different combustion methods, e.g. B. with a gas burner, a gas flame, a cigarette or a stack of dry wood

Conclusion

The use of flame retardants for properties can serve as another layer of protection. You can reduce the risk of fire or injury. Now that you know what fire retardant fabrics are, make sure you get your flame retardant products from a supplier you trust.

If you need Flame Retardant Curtains, whether it’s for schools, hospitals or hotels in the UK, get in touch with us today. Direct Fabrics is a one-stop shop and service provider. We manufacture, supply and install home furnishings anywhere in the UK and Europe. We also do custom orders to get you exactly what you need. Contact us today to learn more about our service.

The risk of forest fires

The threat of wildfires is a major concern for more and more homeowners as house construction moves to the wildland urban interface. Droughts are scary times for residents of suburban and rural areas across the country, including the Northwest.

For those of us who live near natural bush or forest areas, the dry seasons are particularly dangerous. Experts advise us to plan fire-wise landscapes with widely spaced plantings (at least a 30-foot “green zone” radius around the home), eliminating dry, combustible plant debris, and maintaining low, well-watered groundcover and lawns.

But there is one more step we can take to prevent wildfires from destroying our property.

Keep Barricade Fire Gel Retardant handy!

Barricade Fire Gel Retardant has saved hundreds of homes across the United States and earned the gratitude of homeowners in California, Montana and South Dakota, where firefighters have “barricaded” homes and businesses from the approaching flames. See – In the news.

Barricade Fire Gel Retardant is now available for homeowners who can apply the water/gel coating on their own property from an approaching wildfire before retiring to a safe area. When mixed with water at the end of a garden hose, superabsorbent polymers in the gel concentrate capture water molecules and suspend them in millions of tiny “bubbles”. Sprayed on the combustible surfaces of a home’s roof, windows, eaves and walls, vehicles or propane tanks, Barricade Fire Gel Retardant can be wrapped as a “wet blanket” up to 24 hours before an approaching wildfire. Homeowners can evacuate safely, and firefighting resources can be focused on the wildfire instead of on the buildings already protected. Barricade can be washed off with clean water after the fire hazard has passed.

Fire Stop Brakes for Barricade® Fire Gel Retardant

My son spotted the smoke. Wind speeds of 40 km/h would blow in all directions. We raced home. As we pulled into the driveway, the flames were already licking the hilltop above our home.

I quickly broke through the barricade, and I’ll tell you the truth, my hands were shaking. My fifteen year old son and I were able to hook up the gallon jugs to garden hoses and began spraying the house. I started on the propane tank while my son hit the side of the house closest to the flames. While I was spraying the tank, to the west of us I heard two explosions in quick succession. A neighbor’s propane tank had exploded and a car’s gas tank had exploded. These two houses were destroyed in the flames.

It took us about 30 minutes to both cover the house. The barricade covered all sides of the house, including the windows and the eaves. My son brought our pets into the jeep which he drove to a safe location across the street.

Then the winds turned. The flames rushed in, propelled by 45-mph gusts. I tied three garden hoses together and went out into the brush that surrounds our house. It’s mostly sage and cheat grass, and the flames were moving fast.

Thick smoke made breathing difficult. I laid a barricade line in a ditch I dug the previous year to direct rain and snow runoff away from the back of the house.

The winds continued to blow and the intense bushfire exploded down the hillside. When it reached the barricade line – it stopped cold! The winds fanned the flames west of us and past neighbors’ homes, but the fire never made it past the barricade gel I’d placed in the dried brush.

Our whole family breathed a sigh of relief. The flames were within 50 feet of our house! The photos I took afterwards show the dramatic power of the barricade to stop the flames. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the technology behind a product. Also not more recent!

A neighbor’s house is burning to the ground while the flames were stopped by the barricade firebreak around my house!

Barricade Home Fire Protection System

The Barricade Home Fire Defense System comes complete with everything you need to apply Barricade. A garden hose is quickly connected to the nozzle attached to the Barricade concentrate container. Fire Gel Retardant to your home with a regular garden hose. Just follow the instructions and coat eaves, walls, windows, roofs, the surrounding landscape and even vehicles. Barricade can be deployed many hours before a fire approaches, allowing you and your family to retreat to a safe place until the threat passes. If needed, the Barricade protective coating can be maintained for several days with a simple respray of water.

The complete Barricade Home Fire Defense System comes with ejector nozzle, priming tube, quick disconnect, (4) 1 gallon cans of Barricade Fire Blocking Gel and an instructional video.

“Barricade saved our home. Everyone, including experienced firefighters, who has seen our house is amazed. There was no damage to the house – even the vinyl eaves were protected. It was as if the house had been sealed with a wet blanket that kept it from burning and kept the smoke and heat out.”

Garden hose bucket applicator

Now the homeowner has the option of using a 4 gallon pail of Barricade Fire Gel Retardant with this new eductor nozzle. Simply attach to a standard garden hose eductor nozzle and insert the pick-up tube into the bucket. The bucket can be carried by hand or in the new BucketPak backpack. The backpack for carrying the 4 gallon bucket increases the flexibility of your Barricade applications.

What is a brand mark?

Put simply, a fire label is a statutory safety measure whereby a fire label is affixed to all upholstered furniture sold within the UK. One of the most common examples of this is sofas, armchairs, ottomans and armchairs, all of which require a tag in order to be sold and donated to charity for resale.

Since the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations were introduced in 1998, all sofas sold within the UK have had to carry a fire mark – something which is only awarded where the sofas have been treated with fire retardant chemicals. According to the relevant fire protection regulations, the following criteria must be met in order for a fire protection label to be affixed:

All fillings within the material must meet strict ignition requirements as outlined in the regulation.

All upholstery and furniture covers must be resistant to cigarettes and matches.

Every piece of furniture and every component must be provided with a permanent label.

Each new piece of furniture must be provided with a sign when it is sold.

A fire rating label also describes the UK supplier, the date of manufacture or import, and the specific materials used in the manufacture of the sofa. You should also be able to find details, e.g. B. whether the interior of the sofa is fireproof and how the sofa was able to meet the specified safety requirements.

Why is a fire label important?

Fire labels are crucial if you are looking to donate or sell your old sofa, as this label indicates that the item has met certain safety standards and is safe to move to a new home.

In fact, permanent fire safety labels are a legal requirement for upholstered furniture and other items as they demonstrate compliance with UK fire safety regulations which aim to keep you as safe as possible in your home. This is because a lot of upholstered furniture is made of foam, stuffing, and other potentially flammable stuffing.

Without an assurance and label proving this compliance, UK charities are legally unable to accept donations of upholstery items such as sofas, meaning you have to find other ways to get rid of your old sofa.

So if you’re looking to donate an old sofa, find out all the fire safety labels and make sure those labels are kept well attached for the charity to see!

However, it is worth noting that charities that do not resell donated sofas but instead give them to those who need them for free can accept sofas without a fire rating label, as this is not required if the sofa is not resold. However, finding a charity that does this can be a challenge.

Where can I find a fire tag on a sofa?

You can typically find a fire label on every exterior surface of the sofa, including under all removable seats and in pillowcases. Wherever they are they should be securely fastened and one should be attached to each component of a set to ensure the correct standards are met. For example, if you have an armchair with your sofa, it should also have a fire label.

All fire labels are either sewn or stapled into the cushion or onto the bottom of the sofa. It usually has a batch or ID number listed on the label, allowing it to be traced back to the manufacturer if issues arise regarding the facility’s fire safety compliance.

How to get rid of an old sofa without a burn tag

With studies showing that UK households spend over £17bn on furniture, what can we do with sofas without fire rating labels if we don’t want them cluttering up our homes? Luckily, there are other ways to get rid of your unwanted sofa if it’s not branded, such as:

Take it to the local recycling center

If you need to get rid of your sofa quickly and it doesn’t have a fire tag, one option is to take it to the extreme. This is a popular choice for those with large vehicles that the sofa can fit in and for those with the support needed to lift bulky furniture like sofas, which are notorious for being heavy and awkward to carry and transport.

Hire professionals

Alternatively, you can hire a professional sofa haulage company to collect, lift, transport and dispose of your sofa on your behalf without any hassle on your part. This can often save you time and hassle as sofa disposal services are often available same day, giving you peace of mind that your old sofa is being disposed of in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.

If you are looking for a sofa moving service you can trust or any other type of furniture moving service, contact our friendly team today. We have many years of experience in clearing and disposing of furniture and are available for same-day, flexible pick-up appointments.

Posted by: John Published: 06/21/2019 Reads: 15451 Comments: 0

Flame retardants and flame retardants both work to prevent fires, stop the spread of fires when they do occur, and help reduce the level of damage caused by flames. Both are invaluable for protecting homes and buildings, providing additional time to safely evacuate a building if a fire occurs. We take a look at the difference between fire retardant and flame retardant and what each offers.

What is fire retardant?

A flame retardant is used to stop or slow the spread of a fire either by physically stopping the spread of fire or by initiating a chemical reaction. Flame retardants are not just a specific type of chemical, they can be made from a combination of many different properties and come in a range of forms including powders, paints, foams and sprays. Flame retardants can be applied as a preventative coating to surfaces and furniture, or used to fight fires when they do start.

How do flame retardants work? There are many ways a flame retardant can extinguish a fire, depending on the type of retardant used. There are both physical and chemical ways to stop a fire from spreading. Physical action prevents the fire from spreading, while chemical action creates a reaction that can stop the fire. A good example of physical measures is the use of a fire retardant coating which acts as a protective layer and prevents the coated material from igniting.

Flame retardants usually rely on a chemical reaction to prevent fires. Some of the chemicals commonly found in flame retardants, such as aluminum hydroxide, huntite, and hydromagnesite, decompose on contact with heat, releasing water vapor or carbon dioxide. This then imparts fire retardant properties to that to which the fire retardant has been applied.

Chemical reactions can also be observed when using intumescent agents. An intumescent coating contains chemicals that swell when heated, providing better insulation that improves fire protection. Intumescence is available as a paint that can be used to coat wood and steel to protect structures.

Uses for Flame Retardants There are a number of different ways that flame retardants can be used. First, flame retardant can be applied as a coating to objects and structures to prevent the spread of fire. Flame retardants are particularly useful to protect the strength of structural members in a building and should be applied to columns and supporting beams. If a fire then breaks out, the structural integrity of the building is not damaged, making it much safer.

Flame retardants are also used to coat certain items to make them safer to use. An example is Christmas trees, which are often given a protective coating to prevent them from catching fire, which can become a risk if they dry out, are covered with lights or are too close to the fireplace!

Flame retardants are also used to stop and control fires and prevent them from starting. Fire retardant foam is used in fire extinguishers, and fire retardant gels, powders, and sprays are also used for aerial firefighting, with aircraft dropping such products onto wildfires and wildfires while flying overhead.

What is flame retardant? Flame retardants are a type of substance that can be added to combustible materials to prevent or slow the spread of fire. Flame retardants are typically applied to textiles, plastics and coatings to protect items from fire. To create a flame retardant, a variety of different chemicals can be used or combined to provide effective protection. Flame retardants can react in different ways when in contact with fire, so each material is carefully assigned a specific type of flame retardant.

How do flame retardants work? How a flame retardant works depends on the type used and the reaction of the chemicals it contains. As with flame retardants, some flame retardants undergo an endothermic reaction when heated. When properties such as huntite and aluminum hydroxides are heated, this reaction takes place, removing heat from the item being protected and cooling it in the process.

Some flame retardants reduce the flammability of objects or surfaces in buildings by reducing the presence of oxygen and gas in the vicinity of burning objects. Oxygen is needed for a fire to start and spread. So if you reduce the amount of oxygen around an item, it becomes much more difficult or impossible to ignite.

Another way that flame retardants can prevent the spread of flames is through thermal shielding. Intumescent coatings applied to objects can cause the surface of the polymer to turn into a char that forms a thermal insulating barrier between the fire and unburned areas. The charcoal effectively separates the flame from the object and slows down heat transfer.

Use of Flame Retardants While flame retardants are used to prevent damage to buildings, structures, and wildlife, flame retardants are typically applied to furnishings, textiles, and household items such as furniture. As electronics used. While a fire retardant used for wood will stop the fire from spreading through the building, it may not protect the fixtures and fittings, which can pose a great risk of fire spreading.

Additionally, electronic equipment is a common cause of fires, so adding a flame retardant coating to such equipment can help reduce these risks. As a result, many household items are sold with flame retardant coatings already in place.

So when you buy flame retardant chemicals online then you are at ACS Ltd. precisely. We offer a variety of flame retardant materials and fire retardant chemicals, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with us.

What are halogenated flame retardants? The elements that make up the chemical group halogens are bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine. Halogenated flame retardants act directly on a flame and act in the vapor phase, meaning they actually affect the chemistry of the flame. Chlorinated (chlorine) and brominated (bromine) are both used in this role, but brominated flame retardants are the most effective.

Flame retardants are increasingly found in house dust, wild animals and human blood. Hence, the chemicals are prevalent in the outdoor environments that have the highest concentrations in areas such as the arctic and marine life. Many halogenated flame retardants are persistent, bioaccumulative and/or have high fire toxicity. Toxicity Research into the human health effects of flame retardants has raised concerns about concentrated brominated flame retardants. Chlorinated flame retardants are considered the “safer” of the two. Effects of brominated flame retardants: Chronic toxicity – Immunosuppression – Carcinogenicity – Endocrine disorders affecting neurodevelopment and the reproductive system No acute toxicity

For more information please contact our team regarding our flame retardants and fire retardant products. The importance of fire safety Fire safety is very important. Both for human health and for the safety of the environment. You should always read the labels and directions of toxic chemicals and building and construction materials. This includes everything from the paint you use to the chemicals used in a construction mix as some things can have adverse health effects.

Call us today to learn more about the importance of fire safety and the importance of flame retardants for environmental protection. We have many flame retardant and fire retardant consumer products in our range. So browse our website to learn more about the different flame retardants we offer.

For fire retardant paints, contact ACS today. If you require fire retardant paints please do not waste time and give our team a call today. We have years of experience with flame retardant chemicals so it’s good to know that whatever your fire protection paint needs you can count on ACS Ltd. can count.

Here at ACS Ltd our Fire Retardant Liquid and Fire Retardant Paint work best on wood including timber structures, chipboard, flooring and timber furniture. In the video below you can see how effective our FCO fire retardant is in preventing the spread of fire:

Some of our best selling fire retardant paints and fluids are:

Many companies across the country have already met California’s 2014 Flammability Standard, which allows furniture manufacturers to phase out the use of harmful flame retardant chemicals in polyurethane foam. And the momentum to keep these chemicals out of furniture continues as similar laws have been passed or introduced in other states.

This market shift means that families and individuals looking for a new couch can now choose from hundreds of non-flame retardant options.

A 2016 survey by the Center for Environmental Health, conducted in partnership with the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the Sustainable Furnishing Council, found that 43 companies representing 65 brands now make fire-retardant furniture.

When you buy a sofa, look at the label, often found under cushions or on the bottom of the piece, to make sure it’s made without flame retardants. California law doesn’t ban the chemicals, but it does require that their presence be disclosed on the labels of all furniture manufactured in 2015 or later.

If you don’t see a label, you need to ask the manufacturer if there are any FR chemicals in the upholstery product.

Here are seven companies that make flame retardant-free furniture:

1. Ashley furniture

Example: Brace Sofa in Granite, $799.99 (price varies by location)

One of the country’s largest furniture retailers, Ashley Furniture, announced that it would stop adding fire retardant chemicals to products manufactured in 2015 or later. All products are marked under the California Fire Protection Act.

2. Box and barrel

Example: Margot Sofa, $1,099

Effective January 1, 2015, all newly manufactured Crate and Barrel couches contain no chemical flame retardants.

3. Endicott House

Example: Oscar Longer Condo Sofa, $1,936

The company’s website states that it has stopped using chemical flame retardants in its furniture.

4.Ethan Allen

Example: Conway Sofa, $2,399

Ethan Allen is one of a growing number of furniture companies whose websites state that their products are made without the addition of flame retardant chemicals.

5. IKEA

Example: Nockeby Sofa, in Tenö light gray, $899

A PR representative at IKEA’s US headquarters said the company complies with California laws and has been manufacturing products under the new requirements since December 2014. For more information on its chemical-free fire safety, see page 35 of the IKEA Group Sustainability Report FY15.

6. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Example: Alex Sofa, $2,125

In its online environmental statement, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams commits to “[pillows] being free of fire retardant chemicals” and other environmentally friendly measures. His sofas are available in his signature stores and some third-party retailers.

7.Roger + Chris

Example: Basler Sofa, $1,609

The furniture is available exclusively through the company’s online shop. Its website claims its products are made without toxic by-products, including flame retardants, PBDEs, plasticizers, phthalates, persistent organic pollutants, and polyvinyl chloride.

If you bought your sofa before 2015, there’s a good chance the manufacturer treated the upholstery foam with toxic flame-retardant chemicals that have been linked to cancer and hormone imbalances.

With the increasing dangers of flame retardants, we hope more flame retardant-free sofas will become available soon.

For more information on where to find fire retardant furniture, see these links:

September 22, 2015 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Karen

Hello Debra,

I’ve been doing a lot of research on flame retardants lately and have eliminated flame retardants from my family’s life as much as possible. I can’t seem to find an answer as to whether washing clothes in a washing machine removes all of the flame retardants we may have come into contact with throughout the day?

I really hope you can answer that for me. Thank you for all your help.

Debra’s answer

Yes, washing clothes in a washing machine WILL remove any flame retardants from the clothes that you may have come into contact with throughout the day.

Here’s an interesting article that answers your question with a scientific study: Chemical & Engineering News: Fire Retardants Wash Out in Laundry.

Some scientists conducted a scientific experiment in which they collected samples of household dust and laundry effluent and compared the flame retardants they contained.

The scientists analyzed the dust and laundry wastewater samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found 21 flame retardants in house dust, 18 of them also in the laundry wastewater. The highest concentrations measured were from chlorinated organophosphates, also known as Tris. These flame retardants, which replaced banned or phased-out polybrominated diphenyl ethers, accounted for 72% of the flame retardants in dust and 92% in laundry effluent.

That is good news. What I don’t know is whether the washing machine is then contaminated with flame retardants.

NOTE: Simply washing items that have been treated with flame retardants, such as B. children’s pajamas, the flame retardant is NOT removed. By law, such items must be flame retardant for at least 50 washes. If you want to try removing fire retardant from fire retardant treated fabric, use soap or vinegar, but it’s best not to buy it in the first place.

Burning Softly: A Study of the Effect of Fabric Softeners on the Flame Resistance of Clothing

Exhibition Hall (San Jose Convention Center)

Nathan D Wille, Parker, TX

The purpose of this project was to find out if fabric softeners make fabrics less flame retardant and if this can be restored. When it comes to children’s FR pajamas, there is no warning that fabric softeners reduce flame resistance. Research shows that fabric softeners reduce flame resistance. The flame resistance of a fabric can be increased in many ways. Most often, the fabric is treated with special flame-retardant chemicals. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are inherently flame retardant. These fabrics have a property called thermoplasticity, where the fabric naturally melts and shrinks when exposed to flame. This prevents these fabrics from igniting and burning as easily as other fabrics. Basic properties of a fabric, such as porosity, can also affect flame resistance. Larger pores allow more oxygen into the fabric, making it more flammable. The hypothesis developed was that when various fabrics are continuously washed with detergent and fabric softener, the flame resistance decreases, most severely for 100% cotton fabrics, but the flame resistance can be restored after one or more washes without fabric softener. In this project, 4 FR fabrics were tested by being washed in detergent and fabric softener, with 3 samples of each fabric being set aside after 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 washes. The fabrics were washed with detergent to see if flame resistance could be restored. The fabrics were tested at each wash stage by exposure to a flame and measuring burn time and char length, the standard measurements of flame resistance. To measure burn time and char length, each sample was hung on a ring stand and exposed to a flame. The flame was removed and the data measured and recorded. An average of char length and burn time was calculated for each wash interval. The results showed that 3 out of 4 fabrics had a reduced flame resistance with increased washing with fabric softener. The 100% polyester, 100% cotton, and 88% cotton 12% nylon fabrics all showed a significant decrease in flame resistance, with the 100% cotton showing the largest decrease. The fabric softener affected the flame resistance of these 3 fabrics. However, the 48% Modacrylic, 48% Tencel, 4% Spandex was unaffected by the plasticizers. This is most likely due to the high flame resistance due to the presence of metal in the fabric fibers. After washing with fabric softener, some samples were only washed in detergent to see if flame resistance could be restored. It was found that for all fabrics with decreases in flame retardancy, washing with detergent restored flame retardance only to the original level. This proves that the fabric softener does not chemically react with the fabric, it just coats the fabric fibers. After collecting and analyzing the data, the hypothesis turned out to be correct. Flame resistance decreased after fabric softener washes and decreased most for 100% cotton. Flame resistance was restored after washing with detergent only.

Our institute made changes to flammability standards that eliminated the needless use of tens of millions of pounds of flame retardants in furniture. This protects people and ecosystems from serious damage.

Why are flame retardants in furniture?

A 1975 California fire safety standard for furniture called Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117) led to the use of harmful and ineffective flame retardant chemicals in furniture and foams for children’s products. This California regulation was followed throughout North America.

TB 117 required the foam in furniture to withstand a small open flame for 12 seconds. However, in a real fire, the cover fabric will ignite first, resulting in a large flame that will quickly ignite the foam, even if it contains flame retardants. In fact, furniture with and without flame retardants burns similarly. Read the peer-reviewed study published in Fire Safety Science.

And the flame retardants were not only ineffective – their use was widespread. In cooperation with dr. Heather Stapleton of Duke University, we tested the foam from 101 American sofas purchased between 1984 and 2010. We found that 85% of sofas contained harmful or undertested FR chemicals in the foam.

Why does it matter?

Flame retardants continuously migrate from furniture into house dust, which is ingested by people and pets. Some of these chemicals have been linked to reduced IQ in children, cancer, hormonal imbalances, and other health problems. Find out more about common flame retardants and their health effects on our Flame Retardants page.

How are we exposed?

How have we reduced flame retardants in furniture?

In 2010, we helped draft the San Antonio Declaration on Brominated and Chlorinated Flame Retardants. This consensus statement, signed by over 200 experts from 30 countries, contains detailed research results documenting the health risks and lack of fire safety of flame retardants.

After further scholarly and advocacy efforts by the Institute and our colleagues, the Governor of California directed the state to revise TB 117 to a new standard, TB 117-2013, which applies to new furniture manufactured after January 1, 2015. became binding. The new standard sees better fire safety in furniture and children’s products without the need for flame retardant chemicals.

In 2015, the institute and our colleagues applied to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban products, including furniture, that contain halogenated organic flame retardants. The petition called on the CPSC to make regulations under the federal Hazardous Substances Act to protect consumers from all halogenated organic flame retardants in furniture, children’s products, electronic enclosures and mattresses.

In a landmark decision in 2017, the CPSC granted our petition. However, implementing the ban on this toxic class of flame retardants will take years. There is also concern that organohalogen manufacturers will move to organophosphates and other types of toxic flame retardants. You can learn more about the petition here.

How can I tell if my furniture contains flame retardants?

A California law called SB 1019 requires upholstered furniture to have a label stating whether or not the item contains flame retardants. For more information on how to easily identify safe furniture, see this leaflet.

Your couch should have a label stating if flame retardants are present.

If you have upholstered furniture made before 2015, it likely contains flame retardants. However, you may be able to replace the foam with healthier non-flame retardant material and keep the furniture. Learn more about replacing furniture foam here.

As of 2020, a California law prohibits the sale of new upholstered furniture, youth products, and mattresses that contain most flame retardant chemicals.

To find out if your furniture foam contains flame retardants, you can send a small foam sample to the Duke University Foam Project for analysis.

Normally, cotton fabrics are highly flammable, but when coated with herring sperm DNA, the fabric refuses to burn. Wired reports.

“DNA can be viewed as a natural flame retardant and suppressant,” says study researcher Giulio Malucelli of Italy’s Politecnico di Torino, Alessandria branch.

Its chemical structure makes it ideal for extinguishing fires. Remember that DNA consists of an alternating phosphate and sugar backbone with nitrogenous bases (A, T, G, C).

When heated, the phosphate-containing backbone produces phosphoric acid, which chemically draws water from the cotton fibers. This leaves a flame-retardant, carbon-rich residue. The nitrogenous bases release ammonia, which dilutes combustible gases and inhibits combustion reactions. They also help convert the carbon-rich deposits into a slow-burning protective layer. These ingredients eventually stop combustion by creating a mixture of a carbon-rich foam and a protective, glassy carbon coating (called char).

To test these fire-retardant properties, the team dissolved DNA extracted from herring sperm in water, then coated it onto cotton fabrics and allowed them to dry. When they tried to set the cotton on fire, the coating behaved similarly to a flame retardant commonly used in foams, spandex, and electrical insulation. Watch a video where cotton doesn’t burn.

As a naturally occurring compound, DNA could be a good alternative to traditional flame retardants. “To the best of our knowledge, DNA is not toxic at all,” Malucelli adds. It could also work on synthetic fabrics and plastic films.

But right now it costs up to five times more than current chemicals. And the DNA treatment isn’t water resistant, so the coating will rinse off with a wash. The team is looking for a way to bind individual strands of DNA to the fabric and to each other, creating a giant, insoluble matrix.

The work was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

[Via Wire]

Image: A. Di Blasio, Politecnico di Torino, Alessandria branch

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com

This article is a continuation of Defining FR Standards: BS5867 Part 2 Type A, B & C as fire retardant pads for the UK market deserve a section of their own.

Testing of Fire Retardant Pads to British Standards

The regulations for this market are heavily influenced by the end use of the fabric, from upholstered stools in a coffee shop for example, to every imaginable application and building you can imagine.

Today we look at the FR standards for upholstery used in the UK market. Read our previous article to learn more about the fire safety standards for curtains and curtains.

FR-One fabric standards in the UK

All upholstery fabrics (including ours) used in non-domestic areas in the UK can only meet certain fire safety standards when used in conjunction with a special backing and flame retardant upholstery foam. First we provide the technical information on our inherently fire retardant fabrics and then unpack what it all means.

FR-One fabrics pass BS7176 2007 Medium Hazard including:

Flame retardant for cellulosic materials

Cellulose – the basis of wood, cotton and most other plant-based raw materials – is widely used in industry. But in many forms, cellulose is inherently flammable. The use of borates in cellulosic materials gives them flame retardancy, allowing them to meet stringent safety standards and help protect consumers.

The three main uses of borate flame retardants for cellulosic materials are cellulosic insulation, wood products and composites, and cotton batting (used as a filler in mattresses and futons). Since most borates are water soluble, they are not suitable for clothing or materials that are regularly laundered. The decision to use borates depends on:

The type of product

The application methods

Compatibility with other additives

Compliance with fire test standards

Combustion of cellulosic materials can occur in both a primary mode where flames are visible and in a secondary mode where no flames are present. The latter case is referred to as smoldering or smoldering, depending on whether light is being emitted.

In cellulose insulating materials, wood-based materials, mattresses, fabrics and paper, borates are primarily used to prevent flaming fires and to suppress embers and smoldering fires. Optibor® has long been recognized as an effective flame retardant additive for its ability to prevent smoldering and is widely used to protect batting in mattresses and futons. The combination of Optibor and Neobor® gives reliable results in fire and corrosion tests. Flame retardant lumber, plywood shingles and fill, and wood composite panels can be manufactured by vacuum or pressure impregnation with Optibor or Polybor® sodium borate solutions. These solutions can also be applied by spraying or dipping directly onto curtains or drapes, carpets, ironing board covers, firefighter uniforms, fabric heat deflectors for stoves or fireplaces, and fire blankets. Solutions of Optibor, Polybor or 20 Mule Team® ammonium pentaborate can be coated onto paper such as high gloss filing boxes, although the products have a stiffening effect that needs to be balanced.

airplane

It is non-corrosive to metals and other aircraft components. It is non-corrosive to metals and other aircraft components

Will Flametect sprays bring my aircraft textiles up to CAA specifications?

In most cases, Flametect Nitro is preferable because, unlike other spray-on flame retardants, it is not corrosive to metals and other aircraft components. Aircraft builders, designers and overhaul personnel please contact us for specific flame retardants for your industry not available on this site, including leather flame retardants.

Building & Construction

Can building materials such as wood, MDF, chipboard and other building materials be brought up to current UK flammability standards with flame retardant sprays?

In most cases yes, there are many regulations on building flammability. The most commonly encountered is BS 476 (Surface Spread of Flame). Most materials capable of absorbing or allowing water-based flame retardants can be treated to meet these standards Construction Sites PLEASE NOTE OUR NITRO FLAME RETARDANT IS NON-CORROSIVE Architects, designers and builders please contact us for Advice on a range of specific flame retardants not available on this website.

Boats & Ships

Can you offer flame retardant sprays for boats and ships?

Yes, for total safety use Flametect Nitro on all inner fabrics for textiles that come into contact with wet sailing clothing. Use Nitro D when pursuing charter, skippered or self charter certification. Flame retardant textiles are usually mandatory for larger and commercial vessels. We can supply Intumescent (Fire Resistant) Paints & Varnishes for Wood, GRP & Steel, ideal for Engine Rooms & Galleys. Ask us about our antimicrobial/antifungal treatments and stain resists for marine and other textiles.

Curtains, curtains, carpets and carpets

Will fire retardant sprays keep my curtains and carpets from catching fire?

In most cases yes. If your drapes, drapes and carpets are made of natural materials use Flametect C. If they are made of synthetic materials use Flametect Nitro to help the textiles achieve BS 5867 Part 2 Type B (curtains and drapes in public buildings). We currently supply theatres, cinemas, opera companies, large hotel groups and independent companies, inns, dormitories, day care centers, kindergartens, schools, universities, shops and businesses, secure units, prisons, oil rigs, in fact anywhere the public has access.

There are no current regulations for homes, but flame retardant curtains can give you peace of mind in the home.

Displays, shops & art

Individual artists equally using flame retardants to treat their displays Individual artists equally using flame retardants to treat their displays

Can my store display or art display be made flame retardant to protect my customers and meet safety regulations with flame retardant sprays?

Yes we supply flame retardants to the design departments of well known high street shops and individual artists alike to treat their displays normally to BS 476 or BS 5867 to ensure they can be displayed safely and meet current regulations in retail and commercial environments. Flame retardant textiles are mandatory in connection with stage and shop lighting displays.

Surroundings

Flametect C and Flametect Nitro are green and classified as non-hazardous Flametect C and Flametect Nitro are green and classified as non-hazardous

Are your flame retardants environmentally friendly?

Yes, our Flametect C and Flametect Nitro are environmentally friendly and classified as non-hazardous and we work with and supply flame retardants to eco-industries, however there are some specific flame retardants in our range that are not available to the general public and are considered as such Can’t go green We have a ‘green policy’ and where technology allows and our chemists can formulate ‘green’ alternatives We always pursue the ‘green’ route.

foliage artificial

Can artificial foliage and flowers be made flame retardant for commercial displays?

Yes, our Nitro Flame Retardant can be used to flame artificial foliage made from natural and synthetic fibers. Ironically there is currently no standard for the flammability of artificial foliage but we have adopted a toy standard BS 5665 Pt 2 EN 71-2 as a suitable standard for testing these products.

Dresses

A range of washable flame retardants A range of washable flame retardants

Can we make garments flame retardant with your flame retardants?

Yes, with reservation. Our Flametect Nitro and Nitro D are skin friendly and can be applied to garments to give a high level of flame resistance. However, they are water resistant at best, not fully wash/water proof and should not be viewed as a permanent answer to FR clothing If you decide to flame retardant garments with Flametect Nitro, back out after every wash Some motorsport enthusiasts choose Flametect Nitro to to make conventional cotton/cotton-polyester coveralls flame retardant. The finished product does not offer the same level of protection as, say, Nomex suits. Several of our customers are fire eaters, actors and exotic dancers who use fire retardant sprays on their garments and stage props to minimize risk.

We manufacture a range of commercial use washable flame retardants for workwear and other garments only.

Hotels & Inns

Supplier of flame retardants for a large international hotel group Supplier of flame retardants for a large international hotel group

Can hotel textiles, drapes and curtains, bedspreads, etc. be treated to make them fireproof?

Definitely yes, this is a big part of our business and we are fortunate to be the sole supplier of flame retardants to a large international hotel group. Some hotels choose inherently flame retardant materials, these materials are very expensive and the choice of designs is very limited. Other hotels still buy these materials and improve the safety of these textiles with a biannual treatment with FR or after washing, while some hotels buy non-FR curtains, treat and test and re-enforce the flammability standard, with a biannual treatment or after washing. Please note that our Nitro range of products are skin friendly.

Heritage trusts, listed buildings and antique furniture

Can antique textiles, tapestries and other materials be treated with fire retardant sprays to prevent accidental or intentional ignition in historic buildings?

In many cases yes, it is best to test a small inconspicuous area first. Flametect Nitro is recommended as it does not react with metallic yarns or similar elements and protects these irreplaceable textiles from ignition in much the same way antique fabrics are replicated. Of course these should be treated to meet a current flammability standard, typically BS 5867.

Insulation – environmentally friendly

Can I make eco-friendly insulation from paper, textiles and other natural products?

Yes you can, on a small scale / for individual projects. All of our spray-on products are flame retardant. These insulation products. For larger commercial projects. Contact us for advice on our “green” commercial products.

Intumescent Paints & Varnishes (Fire Resistant Paints)

Can you supply me with fireproof paints?

Definitely yes, we do not manufacture these ourselves but source from quality manufacturers, delivery typically takes 5 working days and where certification to BS 476 and other standards is required precise descriptions and specifications are required for quotation purposes.

beam steel rsjs,

We are building a portal steel structure and it needs to be protected with an intumescent/fireproof paint. Can you advise, supply and certify us?

Yes. We can advise and supply intumescent/fireproof paints for steel and other construction. We do not manufacture these colors and the delivery time is usually around 5 working days. We can advise and certify you on the relevant standards. The certification is carried out directly by the paint manufacturer.

Beams made of wood Inglenook Fire & Hearth Beams

Can we make internal joists and other timber structures flame retardant with a fire retardant spray?

Yes, our flame retardant sprays, especially Flametect C, are widely used to flame retard interior wood structures, including wood in direct contact with flames such as wood. B. Chimney beam. When flames then come into contact with the treated wood, the wood simply turns black and does not burn. Gives the classic wood stove finish.

Kindergartens ( see dormitories, day-care centers & crèches )

Hostels and housing associations of local authorities

Can textiles and other materials be protected from fire in relatively medium/high risk areas?

Yes, low cost textiles used in curtains, curtains and other applications can be made flame retardant to BS 5867 Part 2 Type B to protect occupants.

Marquees & Tents

Nitro D can be applied to the inner surfaces of tent materials. Nitro D can be applied to the inner surfaces of tent materials

Can tents and marquees for personal use and events be flame retardant?

Yes, in most cases Nitro D can be applied to the inner surfaces of tent materials to increase their fire resistance. Nitro D is waterproof Nitro, retreat the internal parts regularly or after washing. Many of our customers offer special themed tents and marquees for events, all treated with our Nitro products. We also deliver to schools, colleges and universities for marquees for summer balls, presentations and other events.

Military and medical applications

Please call for specific advice and special products (see Zones War & Secure).

nightclubs and discotheques

Can my nightclub special effects ceiling decoration be made flame retardant and safe with flame retardant sprays?

In most cases yes, both Flametect C and Nitro have been used to make all aspects of wall and ceiling coverings flame retardant including burlap, lycra, parachute material, traditional textiles, wood, straw and many other materials that we enjoy working with The standards of your inspection bodies also vary, but typically BS 5867 applies to ceilings and BS 476 to wall cladding.

outbuildings, sheds, garages, barns and outbuildings

Waterproof the structure and protect it with either a water-based varnish or paint. Waterproof the structure and protect it with either a water-based varnish or paint

I have a wood/combustible structure built on the perimeter of my property that borders my neighbor’s property or a public right of way Can you help ?

Yes, the cheapest answer is to treat with Flametect C, impregnate the structure and protect it with either a water-based varnish or paint to protect it from the elements that do not contribute to the structure’s overall flammability. The more professional approach is to contact us Intumescent / Fireproof paints with full certification according to the relevant standard.

overseas supplies

Can you supply your flame retardant products and know-how outside of the UK?

Yes, we have been and are currently involved in flame retardant projects in Mexico, China, Kuwait, USA and Spain.

paper products

Can your fire retardant sprays flame retardant paper?

Very definitely yes, unless of course the paper is treated with wax or other water repellent materials. Uses include paper art projects, paper table wear and menus (be careful with the candles on the table), paper decorations and flowers, in fact paper most things we can even make your paper water and stain resistant as well as fire resistant.

Packing & Shipping

If I order today, how quickly will I receive my goods?

If goods are ordered before 2pm they are normally dispatched the same day for next day delivery. All bulk items are shipped in UN approved containers to prevent damage.

quality assurance

Do you have quality assurance systems?

All of our component products are manufactured in an ISO 9001 environment. We encourage all our suppliers to be environmentally conscious and to work within ISO 14000 environmental management systems.

Dormitories, day-care centers, crèches & crèches

Are your flame retardants gentle enough not to irritate skin?

Yes, Flametect Nitro and Nitro D are extremely effective and skin-friendly flame retardants. They have been used to reinforce existing flame retardant chairs for the elderly and even on clothing to allow elderly residents to smoke in certain areas. & While we do not advocate direct contact with babies and children, Nitro has been used in nurseries and nurseries on drapes, curtains and other materials that children touch. After several unfortunate incidents, there is a dramatic increase in inspections of these facilities. Particularly with regard to flammability standards, we are happy to advise you on the selection of materials and performance in accordance with the relevant fire safety regulations, and we are also happy to cooperate with the inspection authorities.

Stage, screen events and lighting

Fireproof sprays, easy and relatively cheap to use, a cost-effective solution for the entertainment industry. Fireproof sprays, easy and relatively cheap to use, a cost-effective solution for the entertainment industry.

Can stage/screen curtains, backdrops, props and special lighting effects be flame retardant with your fire retardant sprays?

Definitely yes, we supply to several UK theater and opera companies and have also supplied film crews with our range of fireproof sprays, easy and relatively cheap to use, a cost effective solution for the entertainment industry. Also special lighting companies use our products for materials close to high power lighting.

Safe order

When I order online or over the phone, my credit/debit card details are safe

Yes All our orders are processed with Secure Trading.

Temporary fireproof barriers/protectors (see Buildings & Construction above)

Testing

Do you test our materials with your flame retardant sprays?

We check your materials for their suitability for treatment with our flame retardant sprays. We evaluate the overall flammability of the final treated item free of charge; We would always recommend that final tests are carried out by an accredited UKAS testing facility for complete peace of mind.

pad

They do not cause dermal (skin) reactions. They do not cause dermal (skin) reactions

Can you fireproof our upholstery with your flame retardant sprays?

One of the most frequently asked questions, and the most difficult and longest answer to answer, is an emphatic yes, with a few caveats, without complicating the issue. There are two criteria:

The test method is usually BS 5852

The legislation. The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and Amendments. Statutory Instrument 1324

Firstly, our Flametect Nitro and Nitro D products are the only flame retardants in our range that should be used on upholstered furniture as they do not cause skin reactions (skin reactions). Our Flametect C and similar competitor products should not be used where prolonged skin contact with textiles is expected.

1/ Performance of the test method When existing upholstery, textile, foam and other fillings are treated with Flametect Nitro, it penetrates the textile and more importantly the filling, the more of the filling is absorbed the better the result. A highly flame retardant component is achieved which unfortunately, although normally well exceeding the flammability requirements of legislation, does NOT meet current legislation.

2/ Performance in accordance with legislation uses test methods from BS 5852 tests to cigarettes and matches. For household furniture and including crib 5. For medium risk public places (pubs, clubs, offices and theatres, etc.). The test is modified by adding BS 5651 (30 minute water soak test) for the fabric (immerse your fabric in water for 30 minutes before rinsing, drying and testing) and in the case of home furniture the use of combustible foam before legislation (the kind you can no longer legally use) Both above are oversimplifications, UKAS Laboratories Keep Your Shirt On The bottom line is that all non-water resistant flame retardants most spray-on flame retardants do not meet current legislation. Flametect Nitro D is a semi-permanent flame retardant that has been tested to withstand 3 machine washes at 30 degrees C when applied to natural materials, cotton, wool, viscose, etc. and some polyester blends of these materials, weighing at least 220 grams per square meter; Performance for cigarettes, matches and cribs 5 of the statute can be achieved, best applied to the back of fabrics, do not apply too much.

Vandalism Prevention

Our sprays prevent a complete burn of the area. Our sprays prevent a complete burn of the area.

Vandals keep trying to set fire to my property, can your fireproof spray stop this?

Yes, on a larger scale we have customers spraying for example the carpeting and wall cladding of hallways to prevent intentional ignition from ignition sources found for example in mailboxes, even where areas are fully flame retardant charring will occur but our sprays prevent a complete burning of the area.

Experimentation with wooden structures (see outbuildings, sheds, garages, barns and outbuildings).

Are you willing to try, test and experiment with our materials?

Yes, this is an integral part of our service to assess the suitability of our products against customer materials. This service is available to both private individuals and commercial customers. After assessment we would always advise the customer to seek independent verification from a UKAS approved testing facility, see tests above.

Youth hostels and other travel accommodation

Zones, War & Safe

How effective is the performance of Flametect Nitro flame retardant sprays in containment areas?

Flametect Nitro was supplied to the US military in Kuwait for spraying on upholstery and bedding, indicating its skin-friendliness and performance in hostile environments and demanding situations. Flametect C and Nitro were supplied to H.M. Prison Service for use in security areas.

Zippers & Fasteners

Will my material’s zippers and fasteners be affected by your flame retardant on my fabric?

Flametect C can have a corrosive effect on metallic zippers and fasteners. Therefore use Flametect Nitro or Nitro D if metallic components are present. Corrosion does not occur with either Nitro or Nitro D.

Nettles Construction Solutions is one of the largest and most respected spray fire protection contractors in the country. We operate throughout Texas including the Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth and Corpus Christi markets. We operate throughout Oklahoma including the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Broken Arrow markets.

If you have a spray fire protection project in Texas or Oklahoma and are looking for a subcontractor or installer, give us a call.

To ensure we only post the best content possible, we spend hours researching every topic we post on. In addition to all this research, we incorporate our own personal experiences with the knowledge of other pilots across the country. This will give you the most accurate information on the web. Including everything there is to know about which planes crash on fire!

If you’ve ever seen an airplane help put out a fire, you might be wondering what that stuff they drop out of the plane is. is it just water why is it red Don’t worry, we’re here for you. In this article, you’ll learn everything you want to know about flame retardants, how they work, what types of aircraft are used, and how the chemicals affect the environment.

To help start wildfires, airplanes drop hundreds to thousands of gallons of water or other chemicals on and around the fires. Most commonly, airplanes drop a specially formulated flame retardant called Phos-Chek, a mixture of mostly water and fertilizer to help stem the spread of a fire.

In the case of forest fires or other large fires, aircraft are used to extinguish them as quickly as possible. But what do planes really drop in fires?

‍ What is the red stuff planes drop in fires?

Maybe you’ve seen it in person (especially if you live in California!), or maybe you’ve just seen it on TV. But while wildfires are raging, an airplane can often be seen dropping a huge cloud of liquid onto the fire. Mostly it’s red, but sometimes it’s clear and looks like water. Like many others who aren’t sure what they’re looking at, you might be wondering: What is this stuff?

Most often, the planes drop a fire retardant substance known as Phos-Chek. This substance is made up of approximately 88% water, 10% fertilizer and 2% other chemicals and is specifically designed to limit the spread of fire. Evidence that I didn’t say to put out fires but to contain the spread.

That’s because the planes aren’t actually what will end up actually putting out the fires. Sure, the water-based substance helps put out the fire to an extent. And if the planes regularly dumped water on the fires, it could help put them out. But the crews on the ground are really the ones who will put out the fire. The planes and fire suppressants are there to help.

How effective is fire retardant?

Flame retardants are very effective at doing what they were designed to do – help limit the spread of wildfires. The problem with forest fires is that they can get out of control very quickly. Therefore, aerial firefighting is performed to create a flame retardant blockage in the path of the fire, preventing it from growing and spreading out of control.

The combination of water, fertilizer, and other chemicals helps the substances leave a layer on the plants and trees (and anything else that comes in contact with them) to prevent the fire from spreading. Because everything is coated, it makes it difficult for the trees and plants to catch fire. This gives firefighters and responders more time to get there and put it out.

The red coloring you see in the mix was added on purpose so you can easily see where the retardant has already been dripped. The most effective way to use the retardant is to cover as much vegetation in the fire path as possible so that the fire hits the wall of retardant and cannot advance any further.

But what about the potential environmental impacts of getting covered in flame retardants?

What happens to the trees and plants that are covered with flame retardants?

While Phos-Chek is a lot less toxic than flame retardants of the past (like borate), it’s still not exactly good for the flora and fauna underneath. In the case of animals, most of them run away and escape due to the fire long before the substance is dropped, so very few animals have to deal with any consequences.

One animal species that cannot escape, however, is fish. And since fertilizer – which is basically Phos-Chek – is something that can contaminate water bodies and be toxic to fish, pilots are instructed to avoid bodies of water as much as possible. Although this is not always possible due to the large amounts of deterrent dropped at once, pilots do their best to navigate away from bodies of water.

Similarly, pilots are also instructed to avoid landscapes with known plants that are at risk due to the substance’s potential to kill them. However, Phos-Chek was developed in part using fertilizers to help regrow the area after the fire is out. The fertilizer will, well, fertilize the area and encourage new plant growth after a forest fire.

For most plants and trees that are doused with the substance, it will naturally disappear with rain and time without causing permanent damage. Scientists have not yet developed a completely harmless flame retardant that can be released in such large quantities, but it is better than the alternative of simply letting the fires burn!

Do planes drop water on fire?

Think about fires other than wildfires for a minute. For example, if a house or a building is on fire, the fire brigade will come with their trucks and spray it with water, right? So how come they don’t just drop water on wildfires to put them out like any other type of fire? Or is it?

In fact they do! The US Forest Service (which is typically responsible for putting out wildfires) uses both water droplets and fire retardant drops. It mainly depends on what type of aircraft they have available, the condition of the fire and surrounding areas, and how the fire responds to current extinguishing methods.

In most cases fire retardant is used instead of water as they try to contain the fire rather than put it out. And flame retardants are much better at containing a fire and stopping it from spreading than plain water. This is because, in most cases, the firefighters, bulldozers, and crews on the ground are actually the ones putting out the fires. Not the planes!

But the fact of the matter is that some planes are designed to throw water directly at fires to put them out.

What types of aircraft are used to fight fires?

Now that you have a better idea of ​​the actual substances (retardants and water) that are dropped from planes to contain fires, you may be wondering what types of planes are used. Can any plane be used? Do they have to be specially designed aircraft that can be used in rough terrain like bush planes, or just modified to carry and drop the flame retardant?

Luckily, the US Forest Service makes this question super easy to answer since they actually publish information about the types of aircraft used to help with firefighting. According to the US Forest Service, these are the aircraft currently in service: