Flame retardants
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants (pronunciation: /ˈfleɪm rɪˈtɑːrdənts/) are materials that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. These can be substances that are applied to or incorporated into other materials to suppress, reduce, or delay the combustion process.
Etymology
The term "flame retardant" is derived from the English words "flame" (meaning a hot glowing body of ignited gas) and "retardant" (meaning something that slows down or hinders a process).
Types of Flame Retardants
There are several types of flame retardants, including:
- Inorganic: These are typically metal compounds, such as aluminium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide.
- Organic: These are typically halogenated compounds, such as brominated or chlorinated flame retardants.
- Phosphorus-based: These include organophosphates and red phosphorus.
Applications
Flame retardants are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Electronic equipment
- Furniture and textiles
- Building materials
- Transportation equipment
Health and Environmental Concerns
Some flame retardants, particularly brominated and chlorinated ones, have been associated with health and environmental concerns. These include potential endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and bioaccumulation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flame retardants
- Wikipedia's article - Flame retardants
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