Fire safety is important and preventive measures should be put in place. Fire retardant curtains are aimed at reducing the hazard if the related accident occurs. Though the materials used in the manufacturing of the curtain will eventually burn, it will resist ignition for a longer period than alternative fabrics. Installing such an item will reduce the propagation of flames especially as the fire starts and protect the nearby items and structures. These slowed patterns characteristics will delay a full scale fire and lives can be saved during that duration. However, there are myths surrounding fire retardants that may limit the number of home owners installing this preventive feature.
Negative Health Effects
There is a misconception about the apparent poisonous nature materials used in the creation of fire retardant curtains. Such false information has made people believe that they should not consider using them. Like other goods within commercial stores, these products are subject to approval by Singapore authorities before they can be sold. They are scrutinized in laboratories and their sale only goes forward if they meet the set standards. This is true for curtains that are imported or those made within the country.
Fire is Not a Major Concern
People feel that they do not need to vigilant about occurrences of fire anymore. Unfortunately, an accident is not foreseen until it has already occurred. The vulnerable populations in Singapore most likely to be directly linked to fire incidents are children and the elderly. Institutions such as schools and hospitals also have high reports of fire. Tools and resources should be installed in these high risk places to combat any accidents.
They are Not Effective
There are a lot of people that have declared fire retardant curtains ineffective in accomplishing their purpose. This is perhaps due to lack of sufficient knowledge on the meaning of the used terminology. All fabrics will burn under particular circumstances and the curtains are not put in place to extinguish the fire. Their purpose is to slow down the spread and reduce the propagation. Accidental fires will take some time to be steady and sustained. With the retardant material, the extra time can mean the difference between life and death.
Toxicity of the Retardant Fabric Smoke
The assumption that the smoke from fire retardant fabrics is toxic is highly publicized. The fact is, no matter where the smoke is coming from when the house is burning, the results are hazardous. A burning structure will produce carbon monoxide which is highly poisonous regardless of what was inside. Fire retardants will reduce the spread of fire and consequently, the smoke will be less. This means that having these curtains is beneficial to anyone who might be exposed to the smoke.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
Most of the information that is disseminated in the media is based on hearsay than concrete evidence. The supposition that there is no research evidencing the fire resistance of some materials shows ignorance. Reports have been published in the international communities and been peer-reviewed. Basic chemistry shows that materials have different rates of combustion. The research and experiments that have been carried out have enabled manufacturers to produce the same effects on a larger scale.
It is a Commercial Scare Tactic
People are being sensitized on the importance of being ready for a fire. Encouraging the use of fire retardants is not any scarier than emphasizing the importance of having a fire extinguisher. False data is not presented by the manufacturers to encourage sales. There are facts supporting the efficacy and benefits. Scientists are also engaged as independent experts to determine whether the products have the right composition to accomplish their purpose.
Retardants are Unnecessary
Fire poses a real danger in Singapore and the necessity of taking precautions is not realized until it is too late. After an incident of fire occurs, regrets do not count for much. Preparing for disaster does not represent pessimism; it is a cautionary measure that shows preparedness. They are an indispensable measure that will be of use in the event of an unfortunate event.
If you are considering purchasing fire retardant curtains, ensure that you have done sufficient research on the best fabrics to acquire. This will depend on the budget constraints and the available choices. Take every possible caution and examine fire safety measures for the security of the family and your assets.
