A flame retardant is a material that is used to slow down or stop the spread of fire. Flame retardants are often added to materials such as plastics, fabrics, and coatings. They can also be applied to surfaces after a fire has started in order to help control it.
Flame retardants work by either absorbing heat or by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen needed for combustion. Some flame retardants also release water or other chemicals when they are heated, which can help to extinguish a fire.
The use of flame retardants has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about their safety. Some studies have linked exposure to certain flame retardants with health problems including cancer, reproductive difficulties, and developmental delays. As a result, some countries have banned or restricted the use of certain flame retardants.
Despite these concerns,flame retardants continue to be widely used in many products due to their effectiveness at reducing the spread of fire.