Flame retardants

Conference notes that multiple studies (which include the University of Central Lancashire ‘Flame Retardants in UK Increase Smoke Toxicity Report’ and ‘Flame Retardants in UK Increase Smoke Toxicity More than they Reduce Fire Growth Rate’ Chemosphere Volume 196 2018 page 6 by McKenna et al) have shown that chemical flame retardants used in furniture, increase toxicity in fires and are hazardous to human health and the environment. There is further gathering evidence that chemical flame retardants provide negligible delay to fire ignition, worsen fire conditions, and therefore will increase dangers to firefighter safety and welfare.

The levels and effects of flame retardant chemicals must be evaluated during fires, manufacturing, normal use in homes, workplaces and eventual disposal and recycling.

Conference notes the content of the Environmental Audit Committee report section 90 to 94 from 2019 highlighting these issues and the dangers posed to firefighters.

Conference instructs the Executive Council to actively lobby for robust legislation in order to ensure that any flame retardant chemical is properly tested for both efficacy and safety before being put on the market.