Fire Testing FAQs

1. What are halogenated fire retardants?

• Halogenated fire retardants are chemical compounds that contain Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I) and Astatine (At) which are used to slow down or prevent the spread of fire. They are added to certain materials used in the construction of buildings, furniture, and other products to improve their fire safety performance.

2. What types of halogenated fire retardants are there?

• The most commonly used types of halogenated fire retardants include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and hexabromocyclodecane (HBCD). PBDEs and TBBPA are no longer used in the United States due to their potential toxicity, while HBCD is still used in some products.

3. How do halogenated fire retardants work?

• Halogenated fire retardants work by releasing molecules when exposed to heat or flame, which then react with the surrounding combustible materials and slow down the rate of fire spread.

4. What products contain halogenated fire retardants?

• Halogenated fire retardants can be found in a variety of different products, including construction building materials, furniture, mattresses, electronics, toys, and more.

5. Are halogenated fire retardants dangerous?

• Yes. For example, Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) (1,2-dibromo-3-propyl-ethene) is a halogenated chemical compound with potential environmental and health risks. DBDPE is used in flame retardants and is known to leach into the environment, where it can accumulate in living organisms. Studies have shown that exposure to this chemical can cause endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. Additionally, it has been found to be toxic to aquatic organisms, leading to mortality in some cases. As it is highly resistant to degradation, it has the potential to persist in the environment for long periods of time, leading to bioaccumulation in organisms and further exacerbating the risks posed.
• Halogenated fire retardants that leach out into the environment can be dangerous to people, wildlife, and the environment. These chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Furthermore, they can accumulate in living organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and further exacerbating the risks posed. In aquatic environments, these chemicals can be highly toxic to organisms, leading to mortality in some cases. As these chemicals are highly resistant to degradation, they can persist in the environment for long periods of time. This can lead to long-term exposure to these chemicals, which can be dangerous to both people and the environment.

6. Is the chemical  DBDPE halogen based? If yes, how?

• Yes, DBDPE (1,2-dibromo-3-propyl-ethene) is halogen based. Halogens are elements from Group 17 of the periodic table, which include Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I) and Astatine (At). DBDPE contains Bromine, which is a halogen, and is therefore halogen based.

7. Is Antimony Oxide a safe chemical?

• No. Antimony oxide is not a safe chemical and is on The LBC Red List. Antimony oxide is a chemical compound that is used in some flame retardants and has been linked to a number of health concerns. Studies have shown that high concentrations of antimony can be toxic to humans and can cause adverse health effects, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory complications, and neurological symptoms. Furthermore, antimony oxide has been found to be toxic to aquatic organisms, leading to mortality in some cases. Therefore, antimony oxide is not a safe chemical and should be handled with caution.

8. Do halogenated fire retardants break down to inert ingredients?

• No. Halogenated fire retardants do not break down to inert ingredients. Halogenated fire retardants are chemicals that contain halogens, such as bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or iodine. These chemicals are highly resistant to degradation, meaning that they do not break down into inert ingredients. In addition, these chemicals can persist in the environment for long periods of time, leading to long-term exposure to these potentially dangerous chemicals.

9. Are there alternatives to halogenated fire retardants?

• Yes. There are several alternative flame retardant materials available that are less toxic and more effective than halogenated fire retardants. These include inorganic salts, intumescent coatings, ceramic fibers, nano-structured products, and more.

10. Where can I find more information about halogenated fire retardants?

• More detailed information about the different types of halogenated fire retardants and their potential health effects can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Additional resources are also available from organizations such as The National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council.

11. Are there laws that regulate the use of halogenated fire retardants?

• Yes. It is important to check with your local government for specific requirements in your area. Different countries have their own laws and regulations regarding the use of halogenated fire retardants in certain products.

12. How can I avoid products with halogenated fire retardants in building materials?

• Reading building material product labels and manufacturer documentation carefully and checking the list of ingredients is one way to identify products that contain halogenated fire retardants. Check for a Declare label for each building material you use, to see if it is Red List-free or review a companies product Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

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