Bromine based flame retardants play a critical role in reducing the impact of fires on people, property and the environment allowing longer escape times in case of fire as well as allowing longer response time.
Bromine based Flame Retardants (BFRs) play a key role in meeting fire safety requirements and protecting consumers. The term “flame retardant” refers to a function and not to a specific family of chemicals. This function of flame retardancy is derived from elements such as bromine, phosphorus, nitrogen as well as some inorganics such as magnesium and aluminium.
BFRs contain many different types of chemicals, with widely differing molecular structures, physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties and chemistries (additives, reactive, polymeric).
They also differ from a function/technical perspective depending on the intended material or product application. It is precisely due to these differences that grouping of these substances for regulatory purposes should be approached with great caution.
To get a better overview of BFRs and how they protect us, download our Factsheet here.
