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There has long been debate in Europe about the environmental
impact, fate and toxicology of certain FRs. Specifically that certain
halogenated (or brominated) FRs can form toxins during their production
and use, if set on fire, and when disposed of or recycled. This
debate has resulted in legislation phasing out penta-BDE and PBBs
- only two of the 75 brominated and halogenated FRs available.
While the debate and subsequent legislation is significant, it
must be seen within the context of the overall benefits that flame
retardants provide:
- FRs are vital in preventing fires from starting
and spreading
- They have a proven track record when it comes
to saving lives and protecting property
- They are a recognised and required element
of fire protection and, without them, many products would not be
allowed to come to market. In fact, the safe application of plastics
would not be feasible without the use of flame retardants
Due to the obvious importance of FRs, the European Union is working
closely with industry bodies to scientifically determine the risks
involved with other brominated FRs and a review of all bans was made in 2004.
It is also important to recognise that EU regulatory bodies are
actually increasing the number of products on the market that need
to be made flame retardant - mobile phones for example, need to
have flame retardant properties, because handsets are getting smaller,
increasing heat generation between components.
As a result of all this speculation and legislation regarding the
safety of halogenated and brominated FRs, coupled with an increased
demand for flame retardant products, many FR manufacturers have
begun to research alternative FRs with specific emphasis on non-brominated
and halogen and antimony free FR chemicals.
Firestop is a specialist FR manufacturer and is at the forefront
of research concerning these new types of FRs. The HSE section below
outlines some of the considerations that will drive their research.
Please visit these sites for information on current legislative
and regulatory issues in the FR market:
European
Flame Retardants Association (EFRA),
The
European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC),
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