Facts About Inherent Flame-resistant Protective Clothing
Facts About Inherent Flame-resistant Protective Clothing
DuPont™ Nomex® IIIA and DuPont™ Nomex® MHP fabrics are inherently FR and provide excellent protection from fire and arc flash hazards. Fabrics and garments made from Nomex® IIIA have been third-party certified to meet the requirements of NFPA 2112, and deliver superior protection across a range of fire-exposure conditions. Nomex® MHP fabric is engineered to protect against electric arc hazards and meets NFPA 70E Category 2 requirements. Like Nomex® IIIA, the FR properties of Nomex® MHP fabric are inherent—they cannot be washed out or worn away.
Want more information on is cotton flame resistant? Feel free to contact us.
Evaluating Flame Resistance
One crucial aspect of assessing flame-resistant fabrics is the char damage length, a key standard for qualification. According to NFPA 2112, fabrics should not exceed four inches in char damage length. Although some FR cotton/nylon fabrics initially meet this requirement, repeated washes with regular detergent and chlorine bleach can lead to a drastic increase in char length, rendering the garment unsafe. Even a few washes with chlorine bleach, frequently used in real-world conditions, can compromise the flame resistance of chemically treated FR cotton or cotton/nylon garments. On the other hand, Nomex® IIIA and Nomex® MHP fabrics maintain their flame-resistant properties even after 30 washes, meeting NFPA 2112 standards consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen if I home launder FR-treated cotton/nylon, Nomex® IIIA, or Nomex® MHP garments?
If you adhere strictly to home laundering instructions, your Nomex® IIIA, Nomex® MHP, and FR-treated (FRT) cotton/nylon garments should remain unaffected. However, there have been cases where laundering FRT cotton/nylon with hydrogen peroxide significantly compromised their FR properties.
When should I retire my FR garments from service?
Retire any garment showing visible holes, rips, tears, or contamination from flammable materials. FRT garments might need to be removed from service before visible wear appears because a visual inspection is inadequate for assessing flame resistance. Only destructive testing can accurately determine the remaining FR properties. Conversely, the FR properties of inherently FR fabrics like Nomex® IIIA and Nomex® MHP remain unchanged with use and laundering.
If inherent FR garments and FRT garments perform differently, how can they both be certified to the same standard?
Certification standards such as NFPA 2112 and ASTM F1506 set only minimum performance levels for garments and fabrics. They do not encompass all factors related to the durability of FR properties. Therefore, it's up to the end user to determine if these minimum standards meet their specific application needs.
Other than chlorine bleach, what else could damage the FR properties of FRT garments?
- Laundering with hydrogen peroxide and hard water can compromise the FR properties of FRT garments.
- Workplace exposure to oxidizing agents like chlorine-based chemicals can degrade the FR capabilities of FRT fabrics over time.
How will I know if the FRT garment's FR properties have been compromised?
Without performing destructive testing, such as vertical flammability testing, it's impossible to know for sure if an FRT garment’s FR properties have failed. This is particularly dangerous as wearers cannot visually discern the effectiveness of the garment.
If Nomex® IIIA and Nomex® MHP fabrics are inherently FR, why do the DuPont laundry instructions advise me not to use chlorine bleach?
Although chlorine bleach does not affect the inherent FR properties of Nomex® IIIA and Nomex® MHP, repeated use may alter the fabric's color and strength, ultimately reducing the garment's lifecycle.
How does Nomex® MHP compare to FRT cotton or cotton/nylon blends?
Nomex® MHP offers inherent protection against electric arc hazards, ensuring that its thermal protection can't be washed out or worn away unlike chemically treated FR products like UltraSoft®. Additionally, Nomex® MHP garments are lighter (6.5 oz/yd² versus 7.0 oz/yd² for UltraSoft®) and maintain their professional appearance even after extended use and repeated laundering. They offer a better life-cycle value compared to less durable FRT cotton and cotton/nylon blends.
Reported by Westex in their “Update to Industrial Laundry Care Advisory,” October 2, 2003.
Fire-Resistant Sleepwear
Questions about Fire-Resistant Sleepwear
Oct 2004 - Is it possible to find toddler size fleece pajamas without flame retardant? I'm trying to avoid chemicals and understand these pajamas would still melt onto the skin. I want one-piece zippers for my child but have found flame retardant on fleece pajamas from various brands. Any advice? —Julia
Fleece garments not explicitly sold as sleepwear are unlikely to have fire retardants. You can buy fleece tops and bottoms labeled "not to be used as sleepwear," ensuring they have no added retardants. For a safer option, opt for cotton, especially heavy interlock cotton, which provides warmth without chemical treatments. —Anon
For more 88% cotton information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
We couldn't find fleece pajamas without flame retardant and ended up buying Petit Bateau fuzzy sleepers, although they're expensive, they last long. For warmer weather, we buy Hanna Anderssen, which offers organic cotton options without flame retardant. —Safe Sleeper
Try Land’s End or LL Bean for non-flame retardant sleepwear options. —Pajama Mama
After reading about the topic, I want to emphasize that non-fire-resistant sleepwear poses significant risks. A friend's daughter caught fire, suffering severe burns while wearing a non-FR nightgown. Always prioritize your child's safety in choosing sleepwear. —Heather
As someone working for a children's clothing manufacturer, I can confirm that footed/fleece pajamas without flame retardant are illegal. Look for 100% cotton sleepwear labeled "wear snug fitting" for a safer option. Alternately, opt for fleece "sweat" type clothes for cold weather. —Industry Insider
We found durable fleece sleepers and pajamas without flame retardant online at LL Bean and Land's End. The LL Bean options are especially long-lasting. —Gayle
Understanding Fire-Resistant Labels
June 2004 - When shopping for fabric, I was told no fabric is inherently fire-resistant and sprays available are toxic. Does flame retardant wash off after multiple launderings, and am I exposing my children to toxins to prevent their clothing from catching fire? —AL
It used to be mandatory for sleepwear to be fire-resistant, mainly due to potential flame hazards like smoking or fireplaces. While flame retardant chemicals can wash out over time, the real concern is their presence in everyday items. Consider your household’s actual risks before exposing children to these chemicals. —Anon
Your shop assistant was correct about the toxicity of flame-retardant sprays, which are often used in theater settings or for large events. Flame-retardant sleepwear is primarily intended for environments with significant fire risks. —Anon
Fire-resistant sleepwear is designed to fit closely to the body, reducing the likelihood of catching fire compared to loose garments. Additionally, cotton sleepwear is generally safer than synthetic options treated with flame retardant chemicals. —Anon
I've become aware of significant controversy regarding flame retardants, especially their health impacts. Studies have shown a link between these chemicals and various health risks, including hormone disruption and cancer. Consider improving fire safety measures at home instead of exposing children to these toxins. —Nancy
Removing Flame Retardant from Sleepwear
July 2003 - Is it possible to remove flame retardant chemicals from clothing and bedding by washing them in Ivory Snow? —Stevie
This is my understanding based on past industry knowledge: polyester used in flame-retardant sleepwear is inherently less flammable, and washing with soap rather than detergent can diminish its flame-retardant properties. However, modern Ivory Snow is a mild detergent rather than a soap, which may not be effective in removing these chemicals. —R.K.
As a former buyer for children's sleepwear, I learned that most flame-retardant sleepwear is made from high-polyester fabrics that melt and extinguish when exposed to fire. Some 100% cotton items might be chemically treated, but skin-tight 100% cotton sleepwear avoids the need for chemical treatments by reducing air gaps that fuel flames. —Industry Expert
Comprehensive research on the toxicity and widespread presence of flame retardants reveals their significant health risks. Studies have identified high levels of these chemicals in various populations and environmental samples, highlighting the need for informed decision-making regarding the use of flame-retardant products. —Environmental Working Group
The company is the world’s best anti fire fabric supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.