The U.S. Congress passed the Flammable Fabric Act in 1953; originally, the act merely regulated the ways in which highly flammable clothing could be manufactured. However, the law was expanded several times so that today there are regulations for such items as plastic, foam used in wearing apparel, children’s sleepwear, vinyl plastic film used in clothing, clothing textiles, carpets and rugs, and mattresses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been given authority to issue and administer fabric flammability safety standards. Even though there are standards in place, consumers can further protect themselves and their families by treating fabrics and materials themselves.

Flame resistance and combustibility

Wool has the most naturally effective flame resistance and ignites slower than all other fabrics. Natural fibers are usually safer than synthetic ones, but the type of dye used in the cloth can affect its combustibility and flammability. Linen and cotton are natural fibers whose burn rates are high. Synthetic fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester and acrylic can ignite slowly, but can melt and cause severe burns.

Preparation

The type of fabric being treated determines what type of flame retardant should be used, and the manufacturer’s specifications determine which product is best for the fabric being treated. Some products will not provide any protection if they are not intended for use on a particular fabric. Before applying protection to a fabric, the flame retardant should be applied to a small inconspicuous area to make sure it is compatible and will do no harm. The fabric to be treated should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before applying any fire retardant, and the fabric treatment should be diluted according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Application

Fire retardants can be applied by dipping the fabric into the diluted fire retardant, painting the fabric with a paint brush or spraying the fire retardant directly onto the fabric. The material should be thoroughly soaked, but not dripping wet. Pieces of treated cloth may be hung on clotheslines or dryer racks to dry. The room that is being used to treat the fabric should be well ventilated.

Care for treated fabrics

If fabrics treated with flame retardants are not laundered properly, they may lose their resistance to burning. The most important precaution a consumer can take to make sure the flame retardants stay effective is to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when it comes to laundering the treated material. If directions call for the use of a phosphate detergent but local laws restrict phosphate use, use a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Some directions will say not to use soap because it will leave fat deposits in the fabric; in this case, use a detergent that is not a soap. Avoid chlorine bleach in cotton fabrics treated with fire retardant, but it can be used with synthetic fabrics. Commercial laundering uses strong chemicals and high temperatures that will make fire retardants ineffective.

Health concerns

Do not use fire retardants containing penta-PBDE and octa-PBDE because they are toxic to human beings and wildlife. Halogenated flame retardants currently are under study to determine the existence of any adverse environmental and health effects. Brominated and chlorinated fire retardants are thought to cause health problems, including birth defects and sterility.