American University chemistry researchers and scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found a better furniture smoldering test that gauges how well upholstered furniture can resist combustion to delay the possible onset of fire.

In the United States, fires in which upholstered furniture is the first item ignited account for about 6,700 home fires annually and result in 480 deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires can be started from an open-flame source, such as a candle, or from a smoldering source, such as a lit cigarette or incense.

Will you be using flame retardant hay and straw for your fall displays?

Fall may be a few months away, but it's not too early to start thinking about flame retardants for your hay and straw for your commercial haunted house, hay ride in public parks, fall festival or window display.

A Safe Solution for Public Safety

Did you know that flame retardant treatments have been around for centuries? The early Egyptians, for example, learned that alum could be used to make wood used in battlements resistant to fire. Chemical flame retardants in our homes and businesses it is a relatively modern phenomenon.

On April 2, 2014, two furniture industry trade associations, The American Home Furnishings Alliance and the North American Home Furnishings Assn., joined the Polyurethane Foam Assn., in opposing a bill in the California senate that would require labels to disclose whether or not upholstered furniture contains fire retardant chemicals.