Facts About Fabric
Flammability
North Central Regional
Extension Publication 174
Revised July 2003
Have you ever known someone of unsafe products, but cannot
Facts burned when their clothes caught guarantee your safety. This publica-
About Fabric fire? Did you want to blame someone
else when it happened? Do you
tion will review facts about fabric
flammability that everyone needs to
Flammability know how the fire started? What do know to avoid the costly and terrible
you know about fabric flammability? consequences of a clothing fire.
If you have had no experience with
clothing fires and burn injury, you Fact 1: Most clothing and
may be surprised to learn how fast household textiles will burn.
your clothes can burn if set on fire. To burn, clothing must be ignited
from some heat or flame source. You
Clothing fires must be avoided don’t need a flame, only heat to start
because burn injuries are often a clothing fire. When common
severe, disfiguring, and can cause apparel and household furnishing
death. Such tragedies do not have to textiles get hot enough they will burn
happen. However, you must take and give off toxic smoke. For ex-
responsibility for your own personal ample, if you leave a hot iron on a
safety by learning the facts. The cotton shirt too long, the heat will
Consumer Product Safety Commis- scorch the shirt and can start a fire.
sion (CPSC) is the governmental
agency that administers the laws and
standards that apply to fabric flam-
Fact 2: Clothing fires are
mability. It issues many educational started by common
news releases, warnings, and recalls household ignition sources.
Clothing fires are often started by
items commonly found and used
around the house for heat or light.
The majority of fires resulting in child
fire injuries and deaths are started by
children playing with fire in a bed-
room with matches or lighters when
fabric or paper ignites (1).
To reduce chances of clothing fires:
Store all items likely to tempt small
children safely out of reach. This
includes…
• candles
• matches
• cigarettes and cigars
• cigarette lighters
• flammable liquids such as paint
thinner, gasoline, charcoal lighter
Use space heaters and fireplaces Fact 3: Clothing fires can the person’s chance of surviving a
safely. Before nap or bedtime, cause burn injury and death. residential fire.
extinguish or turn off… The exact number of clothing fires
• cigarettes and cigars that happen while a person is wear- Fact 4: Clothing and
• candles ing the clothing in the U.S. is unavail- household textile labels
• fireplace embers able because of the way data are
• space heaters
show if a fabric is flame
collected. The National Electronic resistant.
• kitchen ranges Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)
Never reach into a fire or across an By looking at a fabric you cannot
compiles consumer product injury judge if it is flame resistant or flame
open flame because your sleeve data based on reports from emer-
might catch fire. For example… retardant, so you must look for a
gency rooms and health care facili- label. If there is no label claiming
• candles ties. NEISS estimated that nation-
• gas flames or hot coils of kitchen flame resistance, you must assume
wide 196,233 injuries (including the textile will burn rapidly.
ranges 11,115 deaths) were associated with
• barbecue grills clothing in 2001, with 69.7 the rate
• wood burning stoves Be sure you understand the terms
per 100,000 population (1). How- used on clothing labels and other
• fireplaces ever, not all of these are from cloth-
• camp fires products.
ing fires because cases of entangle-
ment, suffocation, strangling, etc. are If it says It means
counted in these totals.
Flammable These three
Inflammable words mean the
Nevertheless, when clothing catches
Combustible textile will burn
fire, the burn injuries are often severe
readily.
and may cause death. An example
reported by the Consumer Product
Fireproof These three terms
Safety Commission (CPSC) is the
Non-combustible mean the textile
case of a 69-year-old man whose
Non-flammable will not burn.
robe sleeve caught fire as he re-
moved toast from an electric toaster.
Fire resistant These four terms
The terry-cloth robe burned quickly,
Fire retardant mean the textile
also burning the man. Although the
Flame resistant will be slow to
fire was extinguished, the man died
Flame retardant ignite, may burn
four days later. (2) According to the
more slowly, may
CPSC, “a significant number” of
self-extinguish
clothing fires occur with people over
when the heat
age 65.
source is removed.
The U.S. Fire Administration points
out that 80 percent of fire deaths Fact 5: The way a fabric
occur in residences and that these burns depends partly on its
residential fires most often start in fiber content.
the kitchen. People over 65 and Natural cellulosic fibers (cotton,
children under 5 have the highest linen), manufactured cellulosic fibers
risk of fire death in these fires but the (acetate, lyocell, and rayon), and
number of these involving a clothing synthetic fibers (acrylic, nylon,
fire was not indicated (3). Working lastol,olefin, polyester, and spandex)
smoke alarms dramatically increase can burn quickly when ignited, but
they behave somewhat differently as describes typical burning characteris- Fact 6: The way a fabric is
they burn. Generally cellulosics burn tics of fibers, ranking them from the made (knit, weave, lace, etc.)
with a yellow flame, light smoke, and most to least hazardous. No flame
have glowing embers—like a fire- proof fibers are used in ordinary
affects how it burns.
place log, only much faster. Synthet- wearing apparel. Heavy close structures ignite with
ics may catch fire quickly or shrink difficulty and burn more slowly than
from the flame initially, but ultimately, Fabrics that are a blend of two or light, thin, or open fabrics. In gen-
they will sputter, flame, and melt to more fibers do not burn in the same eral, summer weight clothing is more
the skin or the flaming melt will drop way as either fiber. Sometimes, likely to catch fire than winter weight
to the floor. Wool and silk are protein blends are more dangerous than fabrics. However, heavy weight
fibers and are difficult to ignite. They either fiber. For example, fabrics of fabrics burn longer when ignited,
may self-extinguish, but this varies 50 percent cotton and 50 percent because there is more flammable
depending on the closeness of the polyester tend to burn longer than a material present.
weave or knit (fabric density) and similar fabric of either cotton or
other finish treatments. Table 1 polyester. Fabrics with more of the fiber surface
area exposed to air have more
oxygen available to support burning
and therefore burn more easily.
Thus, thin, gauzy fabrics, lace, or
Table 1: Burning Characteristics of Fibers brushed fabrics can be very flam-
mable. Also, fabrics with a napped
cotton/linen Burns with a hot, vigorous flame, light colored or brushed surface of fine fibers can
smoke, and leaves red glowing ember after catch fire easily because of the
flaming stops. Does not melt or draw away from greater amount of fiber surface
the flames. exposed to oxygen in the air.
less
safe rayon/lyocell Burns similarly to cotton and linen, except that it
may shrink up and become tighter to the body. Fact 7: Close-fitting clothes
acetate Burns with a rapid flame and melts when burning. are less likely to catch fire
May melt and pull away from small flames without
igniting. Melted area may drip off the clothing
than loose-fitting ones.
Since clothing must come into
carrying flames with it. When flames have died
contact with an ignition source to
out, the residue is a hot, molten plastic and is
catch fire, keeping a safe distance
difficult to remove from any surface.
from heat and flame sources helps to
acrylic Burns similarly to acetate, except that it burns with
prevent fires, especially if your
a very heavy, dense, black smoke. It drips exces-
clothes move with you.
sively.
nylon, Burns slowly and melts when burning. May melt
Clothes that fit closer to the body are
lastol, and pull away from small flames without igniting.
less likely to stray (or get blown) into
olefin, Melted area may drip off clothing carrying flames
a flame source accidentally than
polyester, with it but not to the extent of acetate and acrylic.
clothes with loose, flowing design.
and spandex Residue is molten and hot and difficult to remove.
For example, clothes designed with
May self-extinguish.
fullness, frills, ruffles, fringe, or
wool and silk Burns slowly and is difficult to ignite (especially in
trailing ties that extend from the body
winter garments). May self-extinguish.
more are more apt to catch fire than those
modacrylic Burns very slowly with melting. May melt and
safe without these features.
and saran pull away from small flames without igniting. Self-
extinguishes.
Long sleeves can easily be set on
aramid, novoloid, Chars, does not burn.
fire as you reach across a gas flame
and vinyon
or electric coil on a kitchen range.
Loose fitting or maternity tops can be Fact 9: Most flame resistant The Flammable Fabrics Act of
set on fire at the hem as a person fabrics do not have chemical 1953 and its amendments were
reaches above a range to get some- passed to assure a measure of
thing from a cupboard.
finishes. consumer safety with regard to fabric
When FR fabrics were first offered to fires, but these standards do not
Clothes that have quick-release consumers, some were created by mean that clothing will not burn (4).
features (for example with snap front adding special finishes to the fabric— Flammability tests are destructive
closures) so they can be pulled off like putting frosting on a cake. tests, i.e. the samples are burned
immediately if ignited, are desirable. Today’s FR fabrics used in children’s and afterward are no longer useable,
This increases the chance that the sleepwear are not made that way. so appropriate sampling of manufac-
garment can be removed before Usually the molecule of the fiber itself tured goods is important. The Flam-
serious burn injury occurs if the is altered to provide flame resistance. mable Fabrics Act and all related
garment catches fire. You could say the recipe for the cake standards listed below are currently
was changed, because the FR fibers under the jurisdiction of the Con-
now have a different molecular sumer Product Safety Commission.
Fact 8: Flame resistant structure than regular fibers of the
fabrics burn slowly. same type or generic class. Two
Flame resistant or flame retardant • Part 1610–Standard for flamma-
polyesters that look and feel the bility of clothing textiles, pro-
(FR) fabrics are those that ignite with same may have very different
difficulty, burn slowly when set on vides for testing flammability of
burning characteristics as a result. If clothing and textiles and estab-
fire, and go out or self-extinguish a garment is not labeled flame
when the source of flame is removed. lishes three classes for textiles:
resistant, you must assume it is not. Class 1 “normal flammability”—for
Because of this, flame resistant
fabrics allow more time to remove fabrics “generally accepted in the
FR cotton uniforms and work clothing trade as having no unusual burning
clothes or put out the fire. This little must have chemical finishes applied
margin of safety can make a big characteristics,” Class 2, applicable
because the cotton fiber in its natural only to fabrics with raised fiber
difference in the degree and extent of state will burn.
burn injury. surfaces that may be used in
clothing with “intermediate flamma-
Fact 10: U.S. governmental bility” or burning characteristics
Flame resistant fabrics do not protect
you in a burning building or if you
flammability laws and rules between “normal and rapid and
reach into a burning stove or an govern wearing apparel, but intense burning” and Class 3,
oven. Firefighters have specially do not mean that clothes will which includes textiles that are
designed clothing that withstands “considered dangerously flam-
not burn. mable and recognized by the trade
very high heat for very limited
amounts of time; they also have as being unsuitable for clothing
No flammability standard for fabrics because of their rapid and intense
special masks and breathing appara- used in everyday apparel makes
tus to prevent smoke inhalation. This burning.” (4, p. 602-3). Fabrics or
anyone safe from burn injury in a garments in Class 3 may not be
level of protection is not offered by burning house or building. However,
flame resistant clothing found in used in clothing (4, p. 618).
the various flammability laws and
some work uniforms and other standards give individuals a little
apparel such as children’s sleepwear. • Part 1615–Standard for the
extra time to take action to limit a fire flammability of children’s
Some people think flame resistant in clothes being worn, carpets and
clothing is more protective than it sleepwear, sizes 0 to 6X
rugs, or mattresses. These laws, (FF 3-71) applies to children’s
really is. FR apparel can only regulations, and their interpretation
provide a small margin of safety— pajamas, nightgowns, or similar
can be found in Part 1602-1632 of related items such as robes,
perhaps enough time to let you the Code of Federal Regulations (4).
remove the clothes or smother the intended for sleeping. It exempts
fire. underwear or diapers, infant
garments (size 9 months and Children’s sleepwear is the only
smaller), or specified “tight-fitting wearing apparel that is covered by a
garments” as defined by dimen- special standard and requires a more
sions for each size that are labeled rigorous flammability test. However,
in accordance with the standard. it is known that incidence of burn
Such a label might state: injury is also high among the elderly,
especially those who lack agility to
“WEAR SNUG FITTING. NOT remove themselves from flame sources.
FLAME RESISTANT” or
Fact 11: Maintaining flame
“FOR CHILD’S SAFETY GAR- resistant properties in
MENT SHOULD FIT SNUGLY.
THIS GARMENT IS NOT FLAME
children’s sleepwear
RESISTANT.” requires following care label
instructions.
“LOOSE-FITTING GARMENT IS Childrens’ sleepwear must have a
MORE LIKELY TO CATCH FIRE.” care label as other wearing apparel
does. This label may give particular
Fabrics, trims, seams, and closures warnings about avoiding use of
for children’s sleepwear must pass laundering products that would alter
a more rigorous flammability test flame resistant characteristics. Fabric
than the test used for general softeners in liquid form have been
wearing apparel and their flame shown to increase the speed in which
resistance must be durable for up certain fabrics burn because the
to 50 launderings. Manufacturers coating itself is flammable. Dryer
must label this sleepwear or its drying may make fuzzy fabrics more
packaging with precautionary fluffy, adding to their likelihood of
instructions so that consumers will catching fire (5). Carbonate-based
not use laundering treatments detergents also can deposit on fibers
known to reduce their flame making fabrics more flammable (6).
resistance. (See 4, 630-638.)
Fact 12: Flammability
Sometimes fabric softeners or standards exist for carpets,
carbonate-based detergents used in rugs, and mattresses, but
normal home laundering can build up
other home furnishings do
on fibers making a normally flame
resistant fabric more flammable. not have special standards.
Therefore, the labels about care of Textiles in many home furnishings
flame resistant clothing should be products, such as bedding, drapery,
followed carefully. and upholstery, are not covered by
special flammability standards, but
carpets, rugs, and mattresses are (4).
• Part 1616–Standard for the
flammability of children’s
In the 1970s, governmental rules
sleepwear: Sizes 7 through 14
were adopted to require that carpets,
(FF 5-74) applies to pajamas,
rugs, and mattresses pass pre-
nightgowns, and other sleeping
scribed flammability tests to help
apparel for children in this size
reduce the burn injury, death, and
range and the same test require-
destruction caused by fires in the
ments must be met as in Part 1615
home. These standards remain in
on previous page.
effect.
.
• Part 1630–Standard for the • If your clothes are quick release, (3) U.S. Department of Homeland
surface flammability of carpets strip them off your body––better to Security, Federal Emergency Man-
and rugs (FF 1-70) applies to all be bare than burned. agement Agency, Fire Administration,
types of carpets and rugs used as • STOP, DROP, and ROLL if clothes Facts on Fire, March 6, 2003 Re-
floor covering, regardless of their are not quick release. This will trieved from http//
fiber content or fabrication method. tend to smother the fire. Your first www.usfa.fema.gov/public/facts.cfm
This standard was enacted be- impulse may be to run to move May 1, 2003.
cause of concern that flames from away from the fire source, but if (4) Consumer Product Safety Com-
a spark or small ignition source your clothing is on fire running will mission, Code of Federal Regula-
falling on carpet might start a fire just fan the flames and make it tions, Commercial Practices 16 Part
that would spread to drapery and worse. 1602-1632. Subchapter D––Flam-
interior furnishings to start building • Call 911. Report your location clearly mable Fabrics Act Regulations,
or home fires. The test method for and wait for emergency personnel. Revised as of January 1, 2002.
this flammability standard uses a If your area of burn injury is small, (5) Consumer Reports, Fabric
match to set a specified tablet of it may be quicker to go to your softeners and flammability, Vol. 65,
methenamine on fire in the center closest emergency room. No. 8, August, 2000.
of a carpet specimen held by a • If you see someone else with (6) Consumer Product Safety Com-
steel frame. The carpet passes the clothes on fire––and you are not in mission, Your Home Fire Safety
test if the flame does not spread a burning building or room––have Checklist, CPSC Document #556
more than three inches in any them stop and lie down, then throw Retrieved from http://cpsc.gov/
direction defined by a steel ring. a wool blanket or coat over the fire cpscpub/pubs/556.html May 15,
One of a kind antique, Oriental, or to smother it. 2003.
hides (skins) may be excluded from • Seconds of inaction give the
testing (4, p. 696-714). clothing fire a greater chance to
cause severe pain and injury. Prepared by Jan Stone, extension
• Part 1631–Standard for the • Wait for firefighters with appropri- textiles and clothing specialist, and Sara
surface flammability of small ate protective gear to rescue Kadolph, professor, textile and clothing
carpets and rugs (FF 1-70) persons in burning buildings. department, Iowa State University.
applies to rugs less than 24 sq. ft.
No endorsement of companies or their
in size and/or not longer than 6 If you regularly take care of children, products mentioned is intended, nor is
feet. These are tested as above. remember that they are naturally criticism implied of similar companies or
curious about fire. Adults must their products not mentioned.
• Part 1632–Standard for the provide a safe living and learning
flammability of mattresses and environment for them. This includes
mattress pads (FF 4-71, providing adequate supervision so
Amended) was enacted because of they do not have a chance to play
the frequency of cigarette ignition with fire. File: T&C 7
of mattresses because people
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work,
persist in smoking in bed. It References: Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with
excludes sleeping bags, pillows, (1) Federal Emergency Management the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Stanley R.
Johnson, director, Cooperative Extension Service,
mattress foundations and water Agency, U. S. Fire Administration, Iowa State University of Science and Technology,
beds, love seats, sofas, sofa-beds, Children and Fire in the United Ames, Iowa.
etc. (4, p. 715-733). States: 1994-1997. Retrieved from . . and justice for all
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/ The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CLOTHES pdf/children.pdf May 1, 2003. discrimination in all its programs and activities on the
basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion,
CATCH FIRE: (2) U.S. Consumer Product Safety age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and
Your actions in the first few seconds Commission, U.S. Consumer Product marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made
of a clothing fire––if a sleeve or hem Safety Review, Fall 2002, Vol. 7, available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To file
catches fire–– make a big difference No. 2. a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and
in the extent of injury that you might Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-
have. 9410 or call 202-720-5964.