Residential fires can kill more than 3,000 people per year in the United States. Most of these fires happen when people are sleeping and unaware of the situation. Have you ever wondered how basic items in your house protect you, such as walls, electronics, furniture, and doors? The answer lies in the material of these advantageous objects. These items contain fire-retardant materials including brominated hydrocarbons, organophosphorus compounds, and various minerals/hydrates. The question is, how fast can the fire be reduced or extinguished. It actually takes longer for the fire to affect fire-resistant materials. I personally believe that brominated hydrocarbons reduce the flame most efficient, due to its chemical properties and effectiveness.
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Essentially, they are considered ubiquitous organobromine compounds that have a hindrance effect on combustion, and reduce flammability. About 30 percent of flame retardants contain this compound. One of the reasons that brominated hydrocarbons are most effective, is partially because of its chemical properties such as, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, DecaBDE, OctaBDE, and PentaBDE. These chemicals are much safer than the ones used in the other compounds. “The health hazards of these chemicals have attracted increasing scrutiny, and they have been shown to reduce fertility in humans at levels found in households” (Poly 12). These hazards can lead to severe injuries. Another reason for brominated hydrocarbonsous products, is because of its toxicity. The toxicity levels in this compound are still considered very high, but most compounds acquire the same characteristic. “Some brominated flame retardants were identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment and were suspected of causing neurobehavioral effects and endocrine disruption” (Fire 6). The toxicity level is canceled out by the other beneficial qualities of brominated hydrocarbons. Lastly, the cost plays a vital role in the process. Brominated hydrocarbons cost about 12 dollars a pound to manufacture. They are sold to companies that use them in their products. “The cost of these brominated chemicals are much
Essentially, they are considered ubiquitous organobromine compounds that have a hindrance effect on combustion, and reduce flammability. About 30 percent of flame retardants contain this compound. One of the reasons that brominated hydrocarbons are most effective, is partially because of its chemical properties such as, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, DecaBDE, OctaBDE, and PentaBDE. These chemicals are much safer than the ones used in the other compounds. “The health hazards of these chemicals have attracted increasing scrutiny, and they have been shown to reduce fertility in humans at levels found in households” (Poly 12). These hazards can lead to severe injuries. Another reason for brominated hydrocarbonsous products, is because of its toxicity. The toxicity levels in this compound are still considered very high, but most compounds acquire the same characteristic. “Some brominated flame retardants were identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment and were suspected of causing neurobehavioral effects and endocrine disruption” (Fire 6). The toxicity level is canceled out by the other beneficial qualities of brominated hydrocarbons. Lastly, the cost plays a vital role in the process. Brominated hydrocarbons cost about 12 dollars a pound to manufacture. They are sold to companies that use them in their products. “The cost of these brominated chemicals are much