Flame Retardant Fabric: Explained by Fabric Experts

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

 

What is 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 15025 are used to verify this.
 

Which minerals are used as flame retardants?

 

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 13772 (drip behavior in vertical flame tests).

• Use Cases: PU-coated textiles, PVC/PE blends, intumescent coatings for fabrics, and children's product textiles.

• 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.
   

Flame retardants used in baby strollers

 

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?

 

Why This Matters

 

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.
   

Safety Standards for Flame Retardant Fabric

 

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 1633

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 6940/6941

International standards for textile fabrics' flammability testing.
 

2. EN 1021

European standard for assessing the ignitability of upholstered furniture.
 

3. BS 5852

British standard for the fire performance of upholstered furniture.
 

4. AS/NZS 1754

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. 
 

Test Name	What It Checks	What It Means for You
FFA / 16 CFR 1610 (U.S. Flammable Fabrics Act)	How fast a small piece of fabric burns when you hold it at a slant to a tiny flame.	Class 1 = normal fabrics. Class 3 = very easy to ignite (avoid!). Look for Class 1 or FR-treated fabrics.
TB 117-2013 (California smolder test)	Whether a fabric or cushion will catch fire from a smoldering cigarette.	Most home-furniture fires start this way. If it passes TB 117, it won’t burst into flames from a cigarette.
16 CFR 1633 (U.S. mattress test)	How a mattress seam reacts to a small open flame.	If this passes, your mattress won’t spread an open‐flame fire rapidly. Good for bedding.
NFPA 701 (aka “302FR”)	How drapes or stage curtains react to a small and a larger flame.	Look for NFPA 701 compliance on window treatments, tents, and decorative fabrics.
ISO 6940/6941 (International fabric tests)	Very similar to FFA, but used worldwide. Measures how much fabric chars and how long it keeps burning.	If you see “ISO 6940/6941,” it meets a global flame test—great for imported fabrics.
EN 1021 / BS 5852 (European & British)	Separate tests for smoldering sources (cigarettes) and small flames (matches).	Common on European-made furniture—ensures safety against both cigarette and match fires.
EN 71-2 (Toy safety)	Checks that soft toys don’t burn too quickly when a small flame is applied.	Important if you’re buying fabric for stuffed toys or children’s play mats.
AS/NZS 1754 (Australia / New Zealand car seats)	How a child-car-seat cover stands up to an open flame, even after sun-exposure.	If you’re in AU/NZ, this one matters for kids’ car seats and strollers.

 

Testing Processes

 

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.
 

Certifications

1. Oeko-Tex Standard 100

 

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
 

2. UL Certification

 

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.

 

Health Concerns With Flame Retardants

 

Flame retardants in fabrics can contain chemicals that pose health risks, especially to babies and children. Some of the harmful chemicals include:
 

1. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs):

Linked to thyroid disruption, developmental delays, lower IQ, and attention problems.
 

2. Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP):

Associated with cancer, genetic mutations, and developmental toxicity.
 

3. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD):

Potential neurodevelopmental effects, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.

 

4. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA):

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.
 

Environmental Impact

 

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.

 

Flame retardant vs. flame-resistant fabric

 

Before getting into details, here’s a table for you to understand the differences better.

 

Choosing the right fabric

 

"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.
 

Some textile 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!
 

FAQs

1. How does flame retardant affect babies?

Flame retardants can be harmful to babies, potentially causing developmental issues, hormone disruption, and other health problems due to the toxic chemicals they contain.
 

2. What is the difference between fire retardant and flame retardant?

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.
 

3. Is fire retardant toxic to babies?

Yes, many fire retardant chemicals are toxic and can pose health risks to babies, including developmental and neurological issues.
 

4. Is fire retardant cancerous?

Some flame retardant chemicals have been linked to cancer, raising concerns about their safety and long-term health effects.
 

5. What are naturally flame retardant fibers?

Wool, silk, and certain treated cottons are naturally flame retardant. These fibers do not need chemical treatments to resist fire.
 

6. Can you wash out flame retardant chemicals?

Yes, many flame retardant chemicals can wash out over time, reducing their effectiveness.
 

7. What is the controversy with flame retardants?

The controversy centers around the potential health risks, including toxicity and cancer, environmental impact, and the fact that their effectiveness can diminish with washing.
 

8. What are the disadvantages of flame retardant fabric?

Disadvantages include potential health risks, environmental harm, reduced effectiveness over time, and the need for reapplication after washing.
 

9. How can you tell if fabric is fire retardant?

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.
 

10. Are flame retardants necessary?

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.
 

11. What states have banned flame retardants?

Several states, including California, Maine, and Maryland, have restricted or banned certain flame retardants due to their health risks.