Is fire retardant toxic to humans? Exploring the health impacts

What is fire retardant and how is it used?

Fire retardants play a crucial role in public safety, especially in environments where strict fire regulations apply — such as hotels, hospitals, theatres, auditoriums, and government facilities. These substances are designed to slow down or suppress the ignition and spread of fire, providing additional time for evacuation and emergency response.

At Dabedan, our commitment to safety goes beyond compliance. All our fabrics are intrinsically fire retardant, meaning they do not require chemical treatments to resist fire. This distinction is key: intrinsic fire resistance is embedded in the fibre structure itself, offering consistent performance over time and reducing concerns about toxic additives.

Whether it’s for stage curtains in theatres or decorative panels in public buildings, fire retardant materials are no longer optional — they are a standard requirement. But this raises an important question: are fire retardants toxic to humans?

Is fire retardant toxic? Breaking down the myths and facts

The concern about chemical flame retardants is valid. Over the years, researchers and health professionals have scrutinised the toxicity of fire retardant chemicals and their impact on human health. However, not all fire retardants are the same. Some, particularly older or halogenated compounds, have been linked to negative health outcomes. Modern formulations – especially those compliant with European Union REACH regulations – are designed with human safety in mind.

In short: fire retardants can be toxic depending on the chemical composition, exposure level, and usage context. Responsible manufacturers prioritise non-toxic or low-toxicity alternatives without compromising fire safety standards.

Common chemicals found in fire retardants

Phosphates, brominated compounds, and borates

The composition of fire retardants varies significantly depending on the application and manufacturing process. Here are some of the most commonly used substances:

• Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs): Frequently used in construction and textiles, OPFRs are less persistent than earlier flame retardants, but may still cause health issues in high concentrations.
• Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): Once widespread, BFRs are now heavily regulated due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. These chemicals have been associated with hormone disruption and bioaccumulation.
• Borate fire retardants: Derived from naturally occurring boron, borates are used in wood and insulation products. Although considered safer, excessive exposure can still cause skin and respiratory irritation, and in rare cases, endocrine disruption.

Understanding what chemicals are in fire retardant products is essential when selecting materials for long-term human occupancy.

How fire retardant chemicals interact with materials

Fire retardants can be applied topically (as surface treatments) or integrated intrinsically during fibre production. Topical treatments often degrade with washing or abrasion, and may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time.

In contrast, intrinsically fire-retardant fabrics, like those produced by Dabedan, embed fire resistance into the molecular structure of the fibres. This means there is no risk of chemical leaching, no need for reapplication, and no compromise in flame resistance over the product’s life cycle — making them a superior choice for health-conscious and regulation-sensitive projects.

How fire retardant chemicals affect the human body

Short-term and long-term exposure symptoms

Human exposure to toxic fire retardant chemicals can occur through inhalation of dust, skin contact, or ingestion. Although everyday exposure is generally low, poor-quality materials or poorly ventilated indoor spaces can amplify the risks.

• Short-term symptoms may include skin irritation, coughing, nausea, or dizziness.
• Long-term exposure – particularly in poorly ventilated environments or through prolonged skin contact – has been associated with hormone disruption, neurodevelopmental issues, or reproductive health risks.

Flame retardant health risks: What science says

Scientific studies suggest that while some flame retardants are harmful, others are considered safe under normal conditions of use. For example, European regulations have phased out the most dangerous compounds, and manufacturers are increasingly adopting safer alternatives.

However, in low-quality or unregulated products, the risks may persist. That’s why sourcing certified, compliant, and tested materials is crucial for any project in the contract sector.

Borate toxicity symptoms in humans

While considered one of the safer alternatives, borate-based retardants can still pose health risks at high exposure levels. Symptoms may include nausea, skin irritation, and, in rare cases, effects on hormonal regulation. However, such reactions are typically associated with industrial use, not with finished textiles or fabrics designed for indoor environments.

Are fire-retardant fabrics toxic?

This is a common question among interior designers, architects, and procurement teams. The answer is: it depends on the manufacturing process and the type of fire retardant used.

At Dabedan, our intrinsically fire retardant textiles offer high performance without introducing additional chemical agents. These fabrics comply with all applicable international standards and are tested to ensure they do not emit harmful substances under normal conditions of use.

This makes them ideal for sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and government, where both fire safety and indoor air quality are non-negotiable.

Best practices and care

For project specifiers and facility managers, here are a few best practices when selecting and maintaining fire-retardant fabrics:

• Request detailed technical data sheets and certifications from suppliers.
• Confirm that materials comply with REACH and other chemical safety regulations.
• Prioritise fabrics that are intrinsically fire retardant, as they provide long-term safety without chemical treatments.
• Ensure proper ventilation in indoor environments, particularly during renovation or installation phases.
• Avoid using harsh detergents or solvents that could alter fabric properties over time.