Jul. 21, 2025
Every year more than 2,000 workers are admitted to hospitals because of burn-injuries, flash-fire accidents, molten metal splash burns, and electric arcs. Reason for these injuries is often lack of proper personal equipment for workers at workplaces. Many of the workers in manufacturing and industrial workplaces don’t wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) ultimately resulting in workplace accidents. Keeping in mind about workplace casualties, the Regulatory Authorities have made mandatory for companies to provide flame retardant garments to their workers in work environments where the possibility of hazardous incidents is high.
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Saving the lives of workers at the workplace should be the first and foremost priority. Now the question is to select the right protective fabric for your workers to keep them safe. When choosing a flame retardant fabric; it’s always important to select that fabric which provides the optimum level of protection by safeguarding against the hazards, particular to the specific workplace. Also, the environment in which the garments made out of flame retardant fabric are to be used should be considered closely so that the fabric not only provides the best protection but at the same time it also fulfills the aesthetic needs.
To help you find the right FR fabric for your needs, consider the following guidelines to be useful:
The very first step in the selection of the suitable flame retardant fabrics is assessing the risks involved in a workplace so that all risks should be discovered. This could be done by hired professionals who carry out a detailed examination of your facility and whom can consider the risk containing factors involved, the extent of damage to be expected against heat and flame in a sudden burst of flash fire, electric arc, molten metal splash or other workplace hazards and the degree of protection required.
One needs to analyze these core factors to make sure the FR workwear you’re buying will provide adequate protection against all of these. It’s the job of the safety professionals and employers to identify all kinds of potential physical or environmental hazards associated with the workplace and against which the workers might be exposed to so that the most appropriate flame retardant garments could be selected for their workers.
When buying flame resistant clothing, your workplace climate acts as one of the most critical factors to consider. A variety of workplace hazards with different intensities and exposure levels always put workers in risky scenarios. The kind of protective garments you choose for your workers to a certain degree will be dependent on whether you work in cold or hot weather conditions. The risk of heat stress or frost damage obviously requires different sort of FR clothing so that the optimum blend of protection and comfort could be attained. So, make sure you predefine your workplace climate before selecting any FR fabric workwear.
Relating to workplace accidents, protective garments have become a compulsory requirement for workers almost in all industries, and every workplace has its own safety standards which specify the type and level of protection that FR garments should provide. Whatever FR clothing you choose, it must live up to your industry certifications and also the local safety standards set forth in the country where the work is taking place.
In order to better understand your industry and workforce requirements, we’ve summarized some of the most commonly used FR related standards as following:
Protective clothing – Clothing to protect against heat and flame. For fabrics’ protection against flame A1, including no melts and drips from the fabric, and against at least one other type of heat, B, C, D, or F. (B-convective heat, C-radiant heat, D-molten aluminum, E-molten Iron, F-contact heat)
Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes. For fabrics’ protecting against welding, and the critical test factors are: Flame spread, Impact of splatter (of metal), Heat transfer (radiation), Electrical resistance, and Tear, tensile and burst strength.
Standard on flame-resistant garments for protection of industrial personnel against flash fire. For garments that reduce the severity of burn injuries resulting from short-duration exposure to flash fires – how the fabric continues to burn, char length, no melts or drips, as well as heat resistance, and shrinkage at high temperature
NFPA 70E requirements for safe work practices to protect personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. Originally developed at OSHA’s request, NFPA 70E helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash and arc blast.
Standard test method for determining the arc rating of materials for clothing by measuring ATPV and Ebt:
Both ratings can be reported, but the fabric has reached its’ performance max when one of them to test criteria’s have been reached (second degree burn, or break open)
Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. For fabrics’ and garments’ protection from the thermal hazards of an electric arc.
Electrostatic properties – charge decay. Fabrics’ potential or ability to get rid of (dissipate decay charge on its surface) the static electricity charge.
When it comes to FR workwear fabrics, you’ll find plenty of them in the market. There are different types of FR fabrics available depending upon the requirements of various industries. Some of the FR garments are inherently flame retardant while others are chemically treated Breathability of the fabric is a critical factor to be taken into account especially for those working in an environment that presents potential heat stress. Whereas some jobs demand lightweight fabrics, for others durability may be more important. So a blend of different fibers can be used to come up with a product that not only satisfies the protection needs but at the same time also fulfills the aesthetic requirements.
Here are some of the commonly used fibers with their characteristics that serve as raw material to come up with an FR fabric. See which appeals more to your with respect to your workplace requirements.
Each fiber has advantages to bring to FR fabrics if you are guided by expertise in using and blending them. Daletec’s specialists are eager to ensure you find the best fabric for your purpose; our clients tell us this is one of our most helpful and useful services.
Fabric- and garment durability can have very different meanings, but their ultimate focus should be providing better protection to workers, take full advantage of the lifetime of a flame resistant garment and lower the replacement costs. To ensure FR clothing is providing adequate FR protection against hazardous materials & chemicals in the workplace, one must confirm the durability of protective FR garments before making a purchase.
There are a variety of features which can impact the durability of flame resistant fabrics and garments. Some of these include:
What fibers make up the fabric and garment? Blends that incorporate more durable fibers such as nylon and aramids give fabrics more resistance to abrasion, and higher tear strength, providing better and long-lasting durability.
How is the fabric constructed? Every single detail of the fabric construction will affect the durability of the FR fabric and garment. For example, a twill weave may be more durable as compared to a plain weave, the number of threads may have higher tensile strength, but less number of threads may have higher tear strength. The combination of weave, threads, yarn count and weight of fabric all play a role in determining a fabric’s ultimate durability.
The FR performance of apparel is one of the most important factors that should be looked into while selecting from the available options. EN ISO certificates can be achieved after 5 wash cycles but that should not be the limit. The garments have to undergo many more washing cycles throughout their life cycle and the FR performance of the fabric used to make these garments must have durable FR performance so that when washed for multiple dozen times, the protection does not fade away. This is where Daletec takes pride in the way it applies FR performance to its fabrics that are permanent and remains intact throughout the life time of the garment, as long as prescribed washing instructions are followed.
How is the garment assembled? As with the fabric, garment construction details like garment design, seam type, fit, trims and features can make a contribution to durability, but no single attribute should be selected as the determining factor for durability.
It’s important to make sure you follow the proper instructions for the flame retardant fabrics which you’re buying. Proper care must be taken while washing them. For instance, washing them with regular chlorine bleach will affect their protective properties and may result in reducing or even removing FR properties. All detergents sold for home use can be used except for ones containing hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid and other chlorine-containing chemicals that will not only affect the FR performance but also will result into challenges like drastic color change.
Usually, it is recommended to launder FR fabrics at dedicated laundry facilities but most flame-resistant garments can be handled safely using common laundering and care procedures. Remember, FR clothing is safety apparel that just might save your life. To keep your flame-resistant garments in excellent shape, it is important that the prescribed washing temperature, drying procedure and other care instructions by the fabric supplier must be followed. Similarly, as far as repairing of flame retardant apparel is concerned, specially treated thread and fabric patches must be used while keeping in mind that safety requirements aren’t compromised.
Still, there are some safety measures that need to be followed to ensure your FR garments maintain their maximum effectiveness.
These days, you’ll find flame retardant fabrics everywhere. Garments made out of these are used to provide protection in different sectors of everyday life. And honestly they’re doing pretty well, but the majority of them are encountering a similar problem; “washout”. Regular spot tests show that many flame retardant (FR) fabrics burn after only a few washes. Garments made out of these are the last line of defense, so it is really important that the credibility on the FR performance of the fabric is never compromised. Never choose an FR garment that may burn after a few washes. Always select those protective fabrics which can document FR certifications and guarantees to remain flame resistant throughout the lifetime of the garment, because that’s what you’ll be looking for.
If your workers like the way their FR clothing looks and fits, they are more likely to wear it. Fortunately, FR clothing manufacturers have made significant improvements in style over the number of years by coming up with designs that are more appealing and still meet the relevant safety standards. These days’ people are also inclined towards looks and fashion along with protection, therefore FR product lines have been updated to provide newer and trendy FR garments. One of the most recent FR innovations is improved FR clothing design with a more casual and comfortable feel. As we say confidence is often linked to feel good in your own skin, but a nicely designed FR workwear can often do the job too. A variety of new inspiring FR garments are now available. So, when buying flame retardant garments, whether inherently or chemically treated, remember to choose the one that’s trendy.
Being uncomfortable can put your workers and workplace both at risk. When your FR garments are not comfortable, the workers will be more likely to take shortcuts ultimately resulting in workplace accidents. By choosing the right flame resistant garments, your workers will be more likely to wear them. This will not only increase compliance to FR safety regulations, but it will also increase productivity, reduce the chances of workplace hazards and improve workers morale. Lastly, there are some FR fabrics in the market which rough hand feels, ultimately resulting in irritation over the skin when applied in direct contact with. As a result, skin safety along with comfort has rapidly become a key factor in a wearer’s purchasing decision. Make sure you buy those FR garments which can be worn comfortably against the skin without causing any irritation or problem. Therefore, keep all of these attributes in mind before making a purchase.
Quality never happens in a day. It takes months, years and even decades to establish oneself as a quality manufacturer. Similarly, a manufacturer’s credibility is dependent on the safety of its products along with the level of trust of its customers. Nowadays, you see so many FR fabric players in the market claiming top-notch FR protection, but when you take a closer look at their quality and level of protection against various workplace hazards; you’ll be surprised and think twice about the claims they’re making.
Remember, a credible FR fabric manufacturer never compromises on two things; safety and consistency of its FR fabric. As a matter of fact, a low-quality FR workwear mostly leads to serious fatal injuries or workplace causalities. Therefore, make sure you buy from a reputable FR fabric manufacturer and always pay for a good quality FR fabric because it’s gonna pay off in the long run.
Make sure to use these simple guidelines for selecting your flame retardant fabrics wisely.
Written by Penny Hsueh
Flame retardant fabric is everywhere. It's in your baby’s stroller, the couch you nap on, your car seat, and even your office chair. It’s designed to slow or stop flames from spreading. But here’s the thing, while flame retardant fabric can help protect us in emergencies, it might also contain chemicals that raise health and environmental concerns.
So what exactly is flame retardant fabric? How does it work, and more importantly, can it be safe and non-toxic? As a textile manufacturer who works hands-on with these materials every day, we’re cutting through the noise to give you a clear, honest guide. This article goes beyond the basics to explore what is in flame retardant fabric, how it affects your health, and what safer alternatives actually exist. Let’s dive in!
Read more: 5 Main Differences Between Flame Resistant and Flame Retardant Fabric
Flame retardant fabric refers to textiles that are chemically treated to slow down or prevent the ignition and spread of flames. Unlike flame resistant fabrics, which are made from inherently fire-resistant fibers (like aramid or modacrylic), flame retardant fabrics start as regular textiles like polyester, cotton, or blends, and are later treated with specialized chemical compounds.
These chemical finishes create a protective barrier when exposed to heat or flame. Depending on the formulation, they may work by releasing non-flammable gases, forming a char layer, or absorbing heat through endothermic reactions. Some treatments bond to the fiber surface, while others penetrate the fiber structure more deeply, which impacts wash durability and performance over time.
Side note: Many flame retardant treatments are durable up to 50 washes under standard care but may lose effectiveness with harsh detergents, high heat drying, or dry cleaning solvents. Testing protocols like NFPA 701 or ISO are used to verify this.
While many flame retardants rely on synthetic chemicals, several naturally occurring minerals are used as safer, more stable flame retardant additives, especially in applications that require low smoke, non-toxicity, or thermal stability. These minerals are especially common in technical textiles, protective clothing, and composite fabrics. Let’s break down the most widely used mineral-based flame retardants and how they actually work at the chemical level.
1. Aluminum Hydroxide (ATH)
Mode of Action: Endothermic decomposition begins at ~180–200°C, releasing water vapor.
Function: The vapor cools the surrounding material and dilutes flammable gases, effectively lowering the surface temperature and oxygen concentration.
Use Cases: Often used in PVC-coated fabrics, nonwoven laminates, and back coatings.
Expert Note: ATH can also act as a filler to improve dimensional stability, but it may reduce mechanical flexibility if overused.
ATH is typically added at high loading levels (up to 60% by weight), which means it is most compatible with heavy-duty textiles or coated substrates rather than fine apparel fabrics.
2. Magnesium Hydroxide (MDH)
Mode of Action: Decomposes around 330°C, higher than ATH, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Function: Releases water, cools material, and promotes the formation of a protective char layer that insulates the fabric.
Use Cases: Industrial protective wear, silicone-coated textiles, thermoplastic composites.
Expert Note: MDH is often preferred in halogen-free systems because it performs at higher processing temperatures and doesn’t release toxic byproducts.
MDH also offers superior smoke suppression compared to ATH, making it a go-to in confined space applications like aviation textiles.
3. Antimony Trioxide (ATO)
Mode of Action: Functions as a synergist, not a primary flame retardant. It boosts the effectiveness of halogenated flame retardants by forming antimony halide gases that inhibit flame propagation in the gas phase.
Function: Enhances char formation and interrupts the flame’s chemical reactions.
Use Cases: Widely used in polyester upholstery, drapery backings, and some synthetic blends.
Expert Note: ATO is toxic in powder form and under increasing regulatory scrutiny in Europe and California. Manufacturers now seek alternatives or encapsulated forms to reduce exposure risk during production.
Due to its classification as a potential carcinogen, ATO is being phased out in favor of phosphorus or nitrogen-based synergists in certain consumer applications.
4. Zinc Borate
Mode of Action: Multi-functional. It acts as a flame retardant, smoke suppressant, and anti-dripping agent. It also assists in char layer formation and neutralizes acidic gases.
Function: Releases water and suppresses flaming droplets, a critical factor in textiles that must meet standards like EN (drip behavior in vertical flame tests).
Use Cases: PU-coated textiles, PVC/PE blends, intumescent coatings for fabrics, and children's product textiles.
Want more information on Flame Retardant Fabric Suppliers? Feel free to contact us.
Expert Note: Zinc borate also acts as a fungicide, offering dual-purpose protection for outdoor and antimicrobial textiles.
Synergistic use: Often paired with aluminum hydroxide or phosphorus compounds to reduce total additive load while maintaining high FR performance.
Many baby strollers use fabrics with a polyurethane (PU) coating, not for looks, but for performance. This PU layer helps prevent fraying, adds water resistance, and improves durability. However, PU is inherently flammable, especially when combined with synthetic textiles like polyester. To meet fire safety regulations (like CA TB117 or EN 71-2), manufacturers often add flame retardant chemicals directly into the fabric or coating. While this improves ignition resistance, it also introduces a new problem: chemical exposure. And that's why, textile manufacturers like Yu-City have developed a new type of fabric with a PU coating that is tested to be chemical-free and meets federal safety flammability standards, making it both stable and safe for children.
Industry insight: PU-coated fabrics in baby products are often treated with halogenated flame retardants due to their cost-efficiency and performance. However, these additives are volatile, and studies show they can off-gas over time, ending up in household dust where infants are most exposed.
Read more: Polyurethane Fabric: What Is PU and What Is It Used For?
Infants and toddlers are more vulnerable to flame retardant chemicals because:
They crawl, chew, and breathe closer to surfaces where these chemicals accumulate.
Their metabolic systems are still developing, so they can’t detoxify chemicals as efficiently.
Studies link chronic exposure to lower IQ, hormone disruption, and even developmental delays.
Side note: Independent lab tests like SGS and ITS now screen PU fabrics for residual phosphorus and halogen levels. A fabric with <1,000 ppm phosphorus and no detectable PBDEs is often considered non-toxic for baby products.
Various national and international standards ensure the safety of flame retardant fabrics. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces flammability regulations, including those under the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA). International standards, such as ISO and EN, also set guidelines to maintain fabric safety and consistency across different regions.
US National Standards:
1. Federal Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA)
Enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this standard regulates the flammability of textiles used in clothing and interior furnishings.
2. 16 CFR Part
Specifies the flammability requirements for mattresses and mattress pads.
3. California Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117)
Establishes the flammability standards for upholstered furniture.
4. 302FR
National standards for materials' resistance to ignition and their ability to slow the spread of flames.
5. CA 117
It’s also known as California Technical Bulletin 117, pertains to the flammability of upholstered furniture.
International Standards:
1. ISO /
International standards for textile fabrics' flammability testing.
2. EN
European standard for assessing the ignitability of upholstered furniture.
3. BS
British standard for the fire performance of upholstered furniture.
4. AS/NZS
Australia and New Zealand standard for child restraint systems for use in vehicles.
5. EN 71-2
This is part of the European standard series EN 71, which is specific to the safety of toys.
Flame retardant fabrics undergo strict testing to confirm they meet safety standards. Tests involve exposing fabrics to flames to check ignition time, burn rate, and self-extinguishing properties. Independent agencies conduct these tests, and fabrics that pass receive certification, indicating they comply with all required safety regulations.
1. Ignition Time
Fabrics should not ignite or should take a longer time to ignite when exposed to a flame source, typically measured in seconds. Specific requirements can vary, but a common standard is that the fabric should not ignite within 3-12 seconds of exposure.
2. Burn Rate
The fabric's burn rate, or the speed at which the flame spreads, is measured in millimeters per minute. For many standards, the burn rate must be below a certain threshold, such as 30-50 mm/min, depending on the application and regulatory requirements.
3. Self-Extinguishing Properties
The fabric should extinguish itself once the flame source is removed. This means the fabric should not continue to burn or smolder for more than a specified duration, often around 2-5 seconds, after the flame is taken away.
Tests for harmful substances in textiles, including flame retardants. Four Levels of Oeko-Tex Standard 100:
Product Class I: Items for babies and toddlers up to three years old. This includes underwear, bedding, strollers, and soft toys. These products have the strictest requirements and limit values.
Product Class II: Textiles that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, shirts, and bedding.
Product Class III: Textiles that do not come into direct contact with the skin, like jackets and outerwear.
Product Class IV: Decoration materials, including curtains and upholstery fabrics. These have the least strict requirements.
Read more: What is Oeko-Tex? Everything You Need To Know
UL Certification tests products for fire safety. It includes various levels and standards, each identified by a specific UL number. These numbers correspond to different aspects of product safety, especially regarding fire resistance and flammability. We list out a few below:
UL 94: Tests the flammability of plastic materials for parts in devices and appliances.
UL 723: Measures the surface burning characteristics of building materials.
UL 746B: Covers the polymeric materials used in electrical equipment evaluations.
Flame retardants in fabrics can contain chemicals that pose health risks, especially to babies and children. Some of the harmful chemicals include:
Linked to thyroid disruption, developmental delays, lower IQ, and attention problems.
Associated with cancer, genetic mutations, and developmental toxicity.
Potential neurodevelopmental effects, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Endocrine disruption, immune toxicity, and developmental issues.
Regulatory update: Many U.S. states (California, Washington, Maine) are phasing out these compounds in consumer textiles. Stay ahead of regulation by choosing certified chemical-free options.
As flame retardant fabrics are washed, some of the chemicals can be released into the environment. Chemicals like Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP) are persistent, toxic to aquatic life, and can enter the food chain.
Now that we know how toxic flame retardant fabrics can be, you might wonder if there are any alternatives. The answer is yes. Flame resistant fabrics are a popular topic in the market. They offer a great alternative but can be more expensive. Our experts have created a table below to compare the differences between flame retardant and flame resistant fabrics. Let's continue exploring.
Before getting into details, here’s a table for you to understand the differences better.
"If flame resistant fabrics are healthier and more environmentally friendly, why are we still using flame retardant fabrics?" this is something you might wonder. And here's your answer: the main reason is cost. Flame resistant fabrics are more expensive. However, some industries, like baby strollers and children's toys, are starting to look for new fabric types due to regulations. And luckily, there are solutions available.
Sometextile manufacturers offer fabrics with phosphorus levels below 1,000 ppm, which current SGS/ITS testing reports as N/A. Companies like Yu-City use special weaving techniques to create chemical-free fabrics that still meet federal safety flammability standards. These fabrics meet safety standards, pose no health risks, and are cost-effective.
If you're unsure which fabric is best for your products, you can always contact Yu-City for advice from our experts!
Flame retardants can be harmful to babies, potentially causing developmental issues, hormone disruption, and other health problems due to the toxic chemicals they contain.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, fire retardant refers to substances that reduce the intensity and spread of a fire, while flame retardant specifically refers to materials that prevent ignition or slow the spread of flames.
Yes, many fire retardant chemicals are toxic and can pose health risks to babies, including developmental and neurological issues.
Some flame retardant chemicals have been linked to cancer, raising concerns about their safety and long-term health effects.
Wool, silk, and certain treated cottons are naturally flame retardant. These fibers do not need chemical treatments to resist fire.
Yes, many flame retardant chemicals can wash out over time, reducing their effectiveness.
The controversy centers around the potential health risks, including toxicity and cancer, environmental impact, and the fact that their effectiveness can diminish with washing.
Disadvantages include potential health risks, environmental harm, reduced effectiveness over time, and the need for reapplication after washing.
Fire retardant fabrics are usually labeled as such. You can also look for certifications or test the fabric by holding a small sample near a flame to see if it resists burning.
While they enhance fire safety, their necessity is debated due to health and environmental concerns. Alternatives, like naturally flame-resistant materials or PU coated fabric tested chemical-free and meet the fire safety standards, are often preferred.
Several states, including California, Maine, and Maryland, have restricted or banned certain flame retardants due to their health risks.
For more information, please visit Fireproof Fabrics Wholesale.
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