Wall and ceiling interior finishes in buildings have contributed to a number of major fire incidents, from wooden panelling over a century ago to modern foam finishings, including 240 deaths at the Boate Kiss nightclub fire, Santa Maria, Brazil, 27 January 2013. Polymer materials which can melt and drip pose particular fire risks when used in interior finishes, as this can both spread and accelerate the fire.
For this reason, the US National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) now specifies that interior finishes made of polypropylene PP or high-density polyethylene HDPE must be fire tested using NFPA 286, which is a room-scale test, with the maximum thickness of material intended for use. This tests the fire risk of melting and dripping, and also ensures data on carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and total smoke release. Flame retardants are essential for ensuring fire safety of such interior finishing materials.
“Inside threat” and “Old test, new test”: NFPA Journal July/August 2014 http://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2014/july-august-2014/features/inside-threat and http://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2014/july-august-2014/features/inside-threat/old-test-new-test
NFPA 286 “Standard methods of fire tests for evaluating contribution of wall and ceiling interior finish to room fire growth”: www.nfpa.org/286