Brominated flame-retardant composition in firefighter bunker gear and its thermal performance analysis

Abstract

Firefighting bunker gear is manufactured from flame-retardant materials, which resist ignition and delay flame spread. However, concerns have been emerging on the potential harmful effects of some flame retardants (FRs) commonly used in flame-retarding materials, particularly the brominated flame retardants. This study investigated the presence of flame retardants in bunker gear, particularly polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their congeners in the garments, and evaluated their impact on thermal performance. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to ascertain the presence of bromine as a possible indicator for brominated flame retardants. X-ray fluorescence results indicated the presence of Br in all samples, ranging from 444 to 20,367 µg/g. Further analysis via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was done on samples. Brominated flame retardants, particularly polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane, were detected in all samples with concentrations ranging from 261.61 to 1001.77 µg/g and 0.01 to 0.07 µg/g, respectively. The cone calorimeter was used, with 50 and 75 kW/m2 heat fluxes, to investigate the impact of the brominated flame-retardant concentrations, if any, on thermal performance. New bunker garments, particularly those with lower Br and brominated flame-retardant concentrations, were observed to have higher thermal performance.

A review on volatilization of flame retarding compounds from polymeric textile materials used in firefighter protective garment

“…In the past decade, there has been great interest in the research of firefighter gear thermal performance and the thermal environments experienced by firefighters. 1,3,9,11,14,16,22–24 However, much of the firefighter protective clothing studies have focused on conditions firefighters find themselves in extreme conditions, such as being engulfed in fire. 25 These conditions generally result in life-threatening injuries and/or death.…”

“…However, data on the exposure of firefighters to flame retardants from textiles is scarce. 3,51 The available data on the exposure of firefighters to toxic flame retardants on bunker gear are based on the contamination of the gear during fire operations. 7,52,53,59,60…”

“…1,2 However, the use of flame retardants, particularly halogenated flame retardants, have been reported to be potentially harmful. 2,3…”

“…In the past few decades, researchers have devoted studies in search of environmentally friendly, stable and cost-effective flame retardants for polymers including the use of inherently flame-retardant materials. 3 Inherently flame-retardant fibres – for example, aramid (e.g. Nomex ® , Kevlar ® ), polyamide-amide (e.g.…”

“…1,2 However, the use of flame retardants, particularly halogenated flame retardants, have been reported to be potentially harmful. 2,3 Until recently, flame retardation of polymers has commonly been achieved by the incorporation of flame retardants, particularly halogenated flame retardants. In the past few decades, researchers have devoted studies in search of environmentally friendly, stable and cost-effective flame retardants for polymers including the use of inherently flame-retardant materials.…”