All fabrics will burn but some are more combustible than others.
Untreated natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk burn more readily than wool, which
is more difficult to ignite and burns with a low flame velocity. The weight and weave of
the fabric will affect how easily the material will ignite and burn. Recommended fabrics
are materials with a tight weave - wool, modacrylic, 100 percent polyester and those that
are flame-retardant treated. Heavy, tight weave fabrics will burn more slowly than loose
weave, light fabrics of the same material. The surface texture of the fabric also affects
flammability. Fabrics with long, loose, fluffy pile or "brushed" nap will ignite
more readily than fabrics with a hard, tight surface, and in some cases will result in
flames flashing across the fabric surface.
Most synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, acrylic or polyester
resist ignition. However, once ignited, the fabrics melt. This hot, sticky, melted
substance causes localized and extremely severe burns. When natural and synthetic fibers
are blended, the hazard may increase because the combination of high rate of burning and
fabric melting usually will result in serious burns. In some cases, the hazard may be
greater than that of either fabric individually.
Curtains, draperies and other articles in the home can have
their burning rates reduced with flame retardants applied through chemical treatment. Such
flame-retardant treatment after manufacturing is not recommended for clothing. The design
of clothing also may influence the flammability of the garment. Full, long and loose
garments tend to ignite easily and have a higher rate of burning since more material is
exposed to the atmosphere than with close-fitting garments. Flame-retardant materials used
in garments require special laundering to maintain the flame-retardant effectiveness.
Flame-retardant materials should be washed only with standard detergents. Clothing labels
usually provide adequate information about the care of the garment.
Recommended clothing for minimum flammability would be
sturdy jeans, tight-fitting jerseys, blouses without frills, jersey pajamas with no
ruffled nightgowns, clothes with tight-fitting or short sleeves, clothes made from
flame-retardant fabrics, sweaters, shirts and dresses that are not loose, flowing or too
big. Clothing made from flame-retardant fabric is recommended especially for the elderly.
In terms of flammability, silk may be the worst with a high burning rate, which may be
increased by the dyes and other additives to provide color. Cotton and linen also have a
high burning rate but this can be alleviated by the application of flame-retardant
chemical additives. Acetate and triacetate are as flammable or slightly less flammable
than cotton. However, they can be made flame-retardant with chemical treatment. Nylon,
polyester and acrylic tend to be slow to ignite but once ignited, severe melting and
dripping occurs. Wool is comparatively flame-retardant. If ignited, it usually has a low
burning rate and may self-extinguish. Glass fibers and modacrylic are almost
flame-resistant. These synthetic fibers are designed and manufactured to possess
flame-retardant properties.
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