Flame retardant facts for kids

A flame retardant is a special chemical that makes materials much harder to burn. Think of it like a superhero for your stuff, protecting it from fire! These chemicals can be natural minerals or man-made compounds. Some are even special types of plastics.

Flame retardants work in different ways. Some soak up heat when things get hot, which stops them from catching fire. Others create a barrier that keeps the heat from a fire from getting into the material. You'll find flame retardants used in many everyday items, like the fabrics in your clothes, furniture, and bedding, to help keep you safe.

What are Flame Retardants?

Flame retardants are substances added to materials to slow down or prevent the spread of fire. They are not designed to make things completely fireproof, but they give people more time to escape a fire. This extra time can be very important in an emergency.

How Do Flame Retardants Work?

Flame retardants use clever tricks to fight fire.

• Cooling Down: Some flame retardants absorb heat from a fire. Imagine them like tiny sponges soaking up the heat, which cools the material down and makes it harder for it to ignite.
• Creating a Barrier: Other flame retardants form a protective layer when heated. This layer acts like a shield, stopping oxygen from reaching the material and preventing the fire from spreading.
• Changing the Chemistry: Some flame retardants can even change the chemical reactions that happen during a fire, making the flames less intense or stopping them altogether.

Where Are Flame Retardants Used?

You might not even realize how many items around you contain flame retardants! They are used in many places to improve safety:

• Furniture: Sofas, chairs, and mattresses often have flame retardants in their foam or fabric.
• Electronics: The plastic casings of your TV, computer, and phone might contain flame retardants to prevent them from catching fire if they overheat.
• Building Materials: Insulation, wires, and other parts of buildings can use flame retardants to make homes and schools safer.
• Textiles: Clothes, curtains, carpets, and even some types of children's pajamas can be treated with flame retardants.
• Transportation: Cars, planes, and trains use flame retardants in their seats and interior parts.

Types of Flame Retardants

There are many different kinds of flame retardants, and scientists are always working to create new and safer ones.

• Inorganic Compounds: These are chemicals that don't contain carbon. An example is antimony trioxide, which is often used with other flame retardants to make them more effective. Some natural minerals like certain clays can also act as flame retardants.
• Organic Compounds: These are chemicals that contain carbon. Many modern flame retardants are special types of plastics or polymers that are designed to resist fire.

Safety and Importance

Flame retardants play a big role in fire safety. They help reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly, which can save lives and property. Scientists and engineers continue to research and develop new flame retardant technologies to make our world even safer.

Images for kids

• 

  Open-flame tests compare the flammability of untreated polyurethane foam (top) and an identical foam sample surface treated with a sandwich-like coating incorporating layered double hydroxides. By 90 seconds after ignition the untreated foam is completely consumed.

• 

  Flame retardant cotton is often used in oven mitts, pot holders, and other heat-adjacent accessories.

See also

In Spanish: Retardante de llama para niños