GTS
has traditionally used brominated flame-retardants
in its products because of their high efficiency
in the prime function of reducing risk associated
with fire. The main drawback is the evolution of
large quantities of smoke during a fire.
Risk
assessment of fire generally comes down in favour
of the use of such flame-retardants, as the risk
associated with smoke is less than the benefits associated
with reduction in fire spread. This is a complex
issue and further reading is suggested – see
the reference below1.
In
the last few years there have been several high profile
cases where smoke toxicity has been associated with
deaths and injury, and where the benefits of using
flame retardants is less clear.
Some
organisations also ban brominated flame-retardants,
among other chemicals, because of the damage that
could be caused to equipment by toxic products of
combustion2.
GTS
produces products that contain Non-Halogenated
Flame Retardants (NHFR), whose emission of toxic
by products
is much reduced. The efficiency of these chemicals
as flame-retardants is less than the halogenated
ones; however increasing their proportion in the
final product can compensate this for.
One
example is GTS3480NHFR, and epoxy based tape, which
incorporates NHFR components. This has achieved an
ULVTM-0 rating3.
1. ‘Risks
and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in
Consumer Products’, GC Stevens and AH Mann,
University of Surrey. A report for the Department
of Trade and
Industry Jan 1999. DTI ref: URN 98/1026
2. CERN,
Geneva
3. UL file: E172854
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