Flame retardants are often extremely harmful to health.
Despite this, they are found in many types of synthetic materials which would otherwise ignite quickly. Empa researchers have now succeeded in producing non-harmful flame retardants.
Synthetic materials made from organic polymers usually burn very well due to their high carbon content; when turned into foams, they ignite even more easily – and, depending on their chemical compositions, they produce toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide or carbon monoxide. For this reason, polyurethane foams and other similar products have to be treated with flame retardants. These foam materials are widely used in upholstered furniture and mattresses, as insulation and packaging materials and as expanding spray foams.
Conventional halogenated flame retardants such as tri(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) or some polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are suspected of being harmful to health and the environment: a number of these substances are extremely persistent and accumulate in the environment, have hormone-like effects and are even thought to be carcinogenic. Non-harmful replacements are therefore called for. These are exactly what Empa researchers have developed in conjunction with Swiss company FoamPartner within the scope of a project sponsored by the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI).
Healthier, more environmentally friendly and with no additional cost
The novel flame retardants are organic phosphorus-containing compounds, so-called phosphoramidates. The Empa researchers synthesised several of these substances (which differ from each other in terms of the type of amine substituents attached to the phosphorus) and added them to the polyurethane foam in increasing concentrations. First results indicate that the flame retardants did not have a negative effect on the foam manufacturing process. As a result, conventional agents that are harmful to health may soon be a thing of the past.
The Latest Bing News on:
Non-toxic flame retardants
- Research shows multiple health risks from flame retardants in auto seatson May 9, 2024 at 6:00 am
A recent study conducted in the US has revealed concerning findings about the presence of highly toxic flame retardants in car interiors, specifically in auto interior seats. The peer-reviewed researc ...
- Study raises concern over exposure to flame retardant chemicals used in some car seatson May 8, 2024 at 11:58 am
According to a new study, "vehicles are likely important sources of human exposure to potentially harmful [flame retardants]." ...
- Study: 'New car smell' could be toxic carcinogens released by flame retardantson May 8, 2024 at 12:00 am
"New car smell" is a beloved benefit of buying a new vehicle. However, at least part of that scent could be due to toxic carcinogens released by flame retardants, a new study says.
- Flame Retardants In Car Seat Foam May Expose Americans To Carcinogens, Study Suggestson May 7, 2024 at 5:00 am
The researchers tested the cabin air of 101 electric, gas and hybrid cars across 30 states with a model year between 2015 and 2022 for potentially toxic flame retardants in both the winter and ...
- Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed by the skin, study findson April 26, 2024 at 8:20 am
A new study used 3D human skin-equivalent models to examine how flame retardant additives in microplastics are absorbed by the skin. The findings show that several flame-retardant additives passed ...
- Top 8 Best Non Toxic Mattresses in 2024on April 16, 2024 at 5:01 pm
They are also free from synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and flame retardants. When shopping for a non-toxic mattress, it’s essential to pay attention to the materials used in its ...
- What is a non-toxic mattress and how do you spot them? 5 key things to look foron March 4, 2024 at 3:16 pm
What is a non-toxic mattress? While the best organic mattresses will be devoid of any toxic materials, some mattress brands will rely on a multitude of synthetic materials and chemical adhesives, dyes ...
- The 6 Best Non-Toxic Mattresses of 2024, According to Sleep Expertson March 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm
which offers a naturally flame-retardant barrier, rather than one created by chemical sprays. This mattress is treated with a Guardin non-toxic botanical antimicrobial treatment, and it’s ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Non-toxic flame retardants
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Non-toxic flame retardants” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Non-harmful flame retardants
- Research shows multiple health risks from flame retardants in auto seatson May 9, 2024 at 6:00 am
A recent study conducted in the US has revealed concerning findings about the presence of highly toxic flame retardants in car interiors, specifically in auto interior seats. The peer-reviewed researc ...
- Study raises concern over exposure to flame retardant chemicals used in some car seatson May 8, 2024 at 11:58 am
According to a new study, "vehicles are likely important sources of human exposure to potentially harmful [flame retardants]." ...
- Study: 'New car smell' could be toxic carcinogens released by flame retardantson May 8, 2024 at 12:00 am
"New car smell" is a beloved benefit of buying a new vehicle. However, at least part of that scent could be due to toxic carcinogens released by flame retardants, a new study says.
- Flame Retardants In Car Seat Foam May Expose Americans To Carcinogens, Study Suggestson May 7, 2024 at 5:00 am
The researchers tested the cabin air of 101 electric, gas and hybrid cars across 30 states with a model year between 2015 and 2022 for potentially toxic flame retardants in both the winter and ...
- Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed by the skin, study findson April 26, 2024 at 8:20 am
A new study used 3D human skin-equivalent models to examine how flame retardant additives in microplastics are absorbed by the skin. The findings show that several flame-retardant additives passed ...
- Top 8 Best Non Toxic Mattresses in 2024on April 16, 2024 at 5:01 pm
They are also free from synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and flame retardants. When shopping for a non-toxic mattress, it’s essential to pay attention to the materials used in its ...
- Peregrine falcons expose lasting harms of flame retardant useon April 9, 2024 at 10:12 am
Peregrine falcon populations across North America are heavily contaminated with harmful flame retardants ... suggesting that non-halogenated flame retardants and polymeric flame retardants ...
- The 6 Best Non-Toxic Mattresses of 2024, According to Sleep Expertson March 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm
which offers a naturally flame-retardant barrier, rather than one created by chemical sprays. This mattress is treated with a Guardin non-toxic botanical antimicrobial treatment, and it’s ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Non-harmful flame retardants
[google_news title=”” keyword=”non-harmful flame retardants” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]