What types of products use flame retardants?
While an ever-evolving list of new products—from hair dryers and small appliances to laptops and flat-screen televisions—is incorporated into our homes, offices and commercial environments, we seldom think about how the products are made. Flame retardants provide consumers with a critical layer of fire protection and are vital to reducing the risks associated with fire.
Today, flame retardants are used predominantly in four major areas:
Electronics and Electrical Devices
Television and other electronic device casings
Computers and laptops, including monitors, keyboards and portable digital devices
Telephones and cell phones
Refrigerators
Washers and dryers
Vacuum cleaners
Electronic circuit boards
Electrical and optical wires and cables
Small household appliances
Battery chargers
Building and Construction Materials
Electrical wires and cables, including those behind walls
Insulation materials (e.g., polystyrene and polyurethane insulation foams)
Paints and coatings which are applied to a variety of building materials, including steel structures, metal sheets, wood, plaster and concrete
Structural and decorative wood products
Roofing components
Composite panels
Decorative fixtures
Natural and synthetic filling materials and textile fibers
Foam upholstery
Curtains and fabric blinds
Carpets
Transportation (Airplanes, Trains, Automobiles)
Overhead compartments
Seat covers and fillings
Seats, headrests and armrests
Roof liners
Textile carpets
Curtains
Sidewall and ceiling panels
Internal structures, including dashboards and instrument panels
Insulation panels
Electrical and electronic cable coverings
Electrical and electronic equipment
Battery cases and trays
Car bumpers
Stereo components
GPS and other computer systems