Retardant, Fire

Definition

A fire retardant is a material or treatment that reduces flammability and the spread of fire.

Purpose

The purpose of a fire retardant is to slow down or prevent the ignition and spread of fire, providing additional time for evacuation and firefighting efforts, and reducing overall fire damage.

Examples of Use

• Fire retardant chemicals are applied to forested areas to prevent the spread of wildfires.
• Building materials, such as insulation and drywall, are treated with fire retardants to enhance fire resistance.
• Fire retardant sprays are used on fabrics and upholstery to reduce their flammability.

Related Terms

• Flame Retardant: Another term for fire retardant, used to describe materials that inhibit flame propagation.
• Fireproofing: The application of fire-resistant materials to structures to improve their fire resistance.
• Combustibility: The ability of a material to catch fire and burn.

Notes

Fire retardants are crucial in enhancing fire safety in buildings, vehicles, and natural environments, providing essential protection against fire hazards.