The UK saw record temperatures this summer, causing widespread wildfires and droughts. This extreme weather could become a regular seasonal occurrence, affecting us all in years to come. Alongside the looming threat from fire, to make matters worse the fire retardants we use to protect building materials often contain dangerous toxic chemicals.
Pollution from fire retardants is a major safety risk that cannot be ignored. Construction professionals must be made aware of the dangers to help protect lives and limit the environmental impacts of these harmful chemicals. This means ensuring only the safest, most sustainable options are specified for projects.
Toxic pollution is a particularly pertinent issue in timber construction, where fire retardants are commonly used to protect wood. While timber is an attractive material thanks to lower embedded carbon and speedier build times, the pollution from fire retardants is an environmental concern that needs to...