Flame retardants, their beginning, types, and environmental impact: a review

Abstract

Flame retardants have made the world safer by significantly reducing fire risks and reducing human and material losses. At the same time, however, environmental problems have been created and their impact on health, as the compounds that make up the flame retardant are heavy metals. Therefore, in order to make these materials safer, efforts must be focused on using environmentally friendly ones. Furthermore, this green approach must be in line with the laws and legislation developed by many countries due to the recommendations of environmental institutions that warned of the dangers of continuing to use flame retardants containing heavy metals. Not only that but all government and private institutions and civil facilities must be obliged to use flame retardants as a primary building material. This review will focus on the most critical developments that flame retardants have experienced and their impact on the environment and health through their types and mechanism of action.