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 moacrylic are almost flame-resistant. These
synthetic fibers are designed and manufactured to possess flame-retardant
properties.
