Fireproof vs. flame resistant: What’s the difference?  

Today, fireproofing has become a norm. Fireproof seats, countertops, floorings and walls have become a common thing. It is a crucial aspect of construction and safety, but is it really possible for anything to be completely safe from the destructive force of fire? Just how accurate is the label ‘fireproof’, and what does it truly mean? According to the scientists, the correct word would either be ‘flame retardant’ or ‘fire resistant’. But why? Keep reading to discover what they mean and find out if a fireproof material can be genuinely fireproof!  

How is a fire caused? 
Fire is caused by a chemical reaction known as combustion, which is brought about by three components: Fuel, heat and oxygen. Now, fuel is any material that can burn, such as wood, paper or gasoline. Heat is the energy that makes the fuel hot enough to start burning. This can be caused by a spark, a flame or simply the sun’s heat on a hot day. And the final piece of the puzzle is oxygen. You may already be aware that oxygen is necessary for the fire to burn. Now that you know all the components, let’s see how the reaction unfolds. When the temperature of the fuel rises sufficiently, the fuel reacts with the oxygen in the air to cause a fire.  

Fireproof: A misnomer!  
Just like wearing a coat to keep you warm in the winter, fireproofing gives an item a covering to protect it from fire. But fireproofing actually does not stop the fire. Are you wondering why? Imagine your coat is on fire. It doesn’t stop the fire; it just increases the time by which the fire reaches your skin. Similarly, fireproofing does not render an item indestructible to fire. Instead, it extends the time by which an item can be exposed to fire. So, the term fireproof is a misnomer! So, what is the correct term to use? It is either ‘fire resistant’ or ‘flame retardant’, depending on the material used to coat an item.  

What are ‘fire resistant’ and ‘flame retardant’? 
Fire-resistant materials and flame retardants are two different things that help us stay safe from fire. Fire-resistant materials are naturally resistant to fire and do not burn easily. These include materials such as brick, concrete and metal. Another example you may be familiar with is a kitchen countertop made of artificial stone. Have you ever wondered why they don’t catch fire? It is due to the presence of aluminium oxides in the stone. It is a non-burning chemical compound that prevents the stone from burning. The most fire-resistant material is steel!  

Now, let’s talk about flame retardants. They are chemical compounds such as bromine, chlorine and nitrogen that are added to materials used in furniture, clothing and electrical devices. They slow the spread of fire and keep it from spreading too far. Flame retardants and fire-resistant materials are both essential for keeping us safe from fire. Fire retardants slow down fires, so we have more time to flee, and fire-resistant materials keep fires from spreading so they don’t get out of control. Now, when someone says something is fireproof, ask if they mean ‘flame retardant’ or ‘fire resistant’!