Use of Flame Retardants and Regulations in the EU and UK

Household fire accidents are often associated with severe casualties and financial losses. Home textiles can be one of the main factors involved in the spread of fire in such incidents.

While home textiles play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and comfort of consumers' living spaces, manufacturers also have to consider the flammability of home textile products to ensure safety within homes.

The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have strict regulations in place to address the flammability of home textiles. The use of flame retardants is considered a solution to meet these regulatory requirements.

However, it is crucial to pay attention to the use of these substances as they have the potential to cause health problems for users and harm the environment.

This article explores the regulations governing home textile flammability in the EU and UK, as well as the restrictions on the use of flame retardants in these regions to minimise the exposure of individuals and the environment to these persistent, potentially bioaccumulative and toxic substances.

Home Textile Flammability Regulations in the EU and UK

EU

There is no specific requirement against flammability for home textiles in the EU. However, products sold in the EU must comply with the requirements in The General Product Safety Directive (2023/988), which outlines the essential safety requirements.

UK

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) sets out the fire safety requirements for various upholstered products, including sofas, mattresses and pillows, covering certain home textiles products.

Common Flame Retardants Used in Home Textiles

Flame retardants are typically classified based on their composition, which may include bromine, chlorine, phosphorus, nitrogen, metals or boron. However, it is possible for these substances contain multiple elements listed above or even complex combinations, making their classification challenging.

Here are some common flame retardants used to decrease flammability and enhance the fire resistance of textile products:

Halogenated flame retardants
A broad category of chemical compounds that release halogen radicals when exposed to heat and interrupt the combustion process. Within this category are:

Brominated flame retardants: Aromatic brominated flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are generally persistent in the environment and many, like decabromodiphenylether, are known or suspected of being toxic and accumulating in people and animals.
Chlorinated flame retardants: They are less effective than brominated ones due to the formation of hydrogen chloride (HCl) over a wider temperature range, resulting in greater dilution and reduced effectiveness.

Examples of this family are: Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).

Organophosphorus compounds
A diverse class of chemicals that forms a protective char layer when exposed to heat. It can be categorised into four main groups: Phosphates, phosphonates, phosphinates and phosphonium salts.

Hydrocarbyl phosphinates are an example of this class of chemical. They are used as reactive flame retardants in the production of textiles and plastic products. Despite the fact that they contain diethylphophinates, which possess potential vPvM (very Persistent and very Mobile) properties, hydrocarbyl phosphinates are generally identified as having low hazard potential.

Metals
These flame retardants are mainly inorganic substances, with aluminium and antimony being two of the main metals used for this purpose.

Aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) is a flame retardant commonly used in textiles.

At high temperatures, aluminium hydroxide transforms into aluminium oxide and water vapour on the surface, acting as an insulating protective layer and emitting a protective gas over the condensed phase, thus displacing oxygen.

Flame Retardant Regulations in the EU and UK

Despite the importance of flame retardants in enhancing the fire safety of home textiles, there is growing recognition of the potential environmental and health impacts associated with certain flame retardant chemicals. Both the EU and the UK implement regulations for the use of flame retardants.

EU

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation is the cornerstone of the legislative framework governing chemical substances, including flame retardants. REACH imposes strict requirements on the registration, evaluation, and authorisation of chemicals used in various products, including home textiles.

ECHA is currently working on new restriction proposals for this type of substance.

Furthermore, the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation in the EU restricts the use of certain flame retardants known to have adverse environmental and health impacts, such as Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs).

UK

Chemical regulations for flame retardants were historically aligned with the EU regulations. However, with the UK's departure from the EU, there have been developments in the legislative landscape governing the use of chemicals, including flame retardants.

The UK has adopted its own set of regulations concerning the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals post-Brexit (UK REACH). The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the UK continues to oversee chemical regulations, including those related to flame retardants, to ensure that they comply with international standards while addressing the specific requirements of the UK market.

Additionally, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is in charge of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (EU Exit Regulations 2020 and Amendment Regulations 2022) which amends the UK legislation with additions or amendments to the UN's Stockholm Convention on POPs.

How can the Eurofins Softlines & Leather Network of Laboratories Help?

With extensive global coverage in Asia, China, Europe and the U.S. under the Eurofins Softlines & Leather network of laboratories, we can assist you in ensuring the safety and quality of your home textiles products, particularly EU REACH, and regulatory compliance in the EU and UK.

Find out more about our REACH Chemical Testing Service and our Flammability Testing Services.

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