Flame retardants play a crucial role in protecting homes, schools, healthcare facilities and residential and commercial buildings. Typical organic building materials like Airpop® (EPS) can be combustible. However, with innovative flame retardant (FR) and installed properly Airpop® (EPS) does not present a undue fire hazard.
“In 2010, 482,000 building fires occurred in the U.S. injuring 15,420 civilians and resulting in $9.7 billion in property damage.”
In order to reduce the risk of fires in addition to meet building and consumer protection codes, FRs are incorporated into residential building and commercial products to accomplish these functions:
- Raise the ignition temperature
- Reduce the rate of burning
- Reduce flame spread
- Reduce smoke generation
Airpop® (EPS) and the chemical industry currently use Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) FR in polystyrene foam. HBCD is an additive flame retardant that offers stable and effective capabilities in the polystyrene polymer matrix. This provides fire protection performance for the life of the building; promoting increased fire resistance in Airpop® (EPS) building and construction applications.
Temperature, duration of heat exposure and air flow all play factors in burning behaviors. Airpop® (EPS) is combustible like wood or paper materials and is recommended to be protected with a fire barrier.
For additional information please visit the EPS Industry Alliance or contact us at sales@plymouthfoam.com to help with your fire resistant Airpop® (EPS) needs.