- Author
-
Stevens, G. C.
|
Mann, A. H.
- Title
- Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products. Technical and Commercial Annexes. Annexes to the Report for the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Coporate
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Report
-
PRC 07b/98/DTI,
January 1999,
179 p.
- Keywords
-
flame retardants
|
fire statistics
|
costs
|
plastics
|
toxicity
|
fire hazards
|
toxic hazards
|
melamine
|
toxicology
|
fire risk
|
risk assessment
|
consumer protection
- Abstract
- Fire continues to have a major impact on society causing deaths, injuries and property damage and in addition much personal suffering. Governments world-wide are keen to maintain and, where possible, improve the fire safety of consumer products to help reduce fires. The role of flame retardants to help this is well recognised. However, some countries in Europe have expressed concerns about the use of flame retardants and claim that there are potential significant risks to human health and the environment with their use. The Polymer Research Centre at the University of Surrey carried out independent research for DTI on the risks and benefits of flame retardant use in consumer products. The aim of the work was to inform debate on the relevant risks and benefits through the publication of a report. Despite some fall in the number of fire deaths over the years, losses from fire are still a significant world-wide problem, particularly in dwellings and the home environment. ALSO SEE: R9902155: "Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products. A Report for the Department of Trade and Industry." and R9902225: Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products."