In its online Eco Statement, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams commit to “[cushions] free of fire-retardant chemicals,” plus other environmentally friendly measures. Reprint Permission Information. Copyright © 2007-2020, EWG. Being able to integrate fire retardant curtains into a school's fire or smoke alarm system is a huge advantage. International Building Code (IBC) requires architects to isolate each floor from the elevator shaft, but the typical method isn’t ideal. EWG.org | EWG's Guide to Sunscreens | EWG's Food Scores | EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, Environmental Working Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN 52-2148600. Atrium Separation A school's … Many schools will purchase BanFire by the case, and keep a quart in each classroom, or in each janitorial supply closet. Smoke-rated curtains with a magnetic gasket can be used instead, to stop smoke from seeping through elevator doors, while still being compliant with IBC. Compared to the costs of a serious remodel for fire-rated boxes, fire curtains are far more affordable. Ethan Allen is one of a growing number of furniture companies whose websites state that their products are made without added flame retardant chemicals. Although fire protection throughout a school is mandatory, these three areas are particularly excellent choices for fire retardant curtains as they are high-risk zones, due to either high foot traffic or because of the previously mentioned chimney effect with smoke. Legal Disclaimer | Flame retardants are widely used in furniture, transportation, homes, and offices to decrease the risk. Studies have shown, however, that there are human health risks associated with exposure to flame retardants. Just spray it on, let it dry, then repeat. A public relations representative in IKEA’s U.S. corporate office said that the company complies with the California law and has been manufacturing products under the new requirements since December 2014. This market shift means that families and individuals shopping for a new couch can now choose from hundreds of flame retardant-free options. Though fire curtains can be placed in a number of different ways, there are a few areas within a school that are perfect candidates for durable fire retardant curtains. Schools are often the subject of the fire marshal's scrutiny, and that's a good thing. In 2014, a list of corporate and government furniture buyers pledged only to buy furniture with no chemical flame retardants. Many consumers are likely unaware that flame retardant chemicals (FRs) have been used for decades in the production of upholstered furniture and other products to achieve fire protection. Ashley Furniture. The overall openness of an atrium, especially if it is a multi-story building, makes it an ideal spot for a fire retardant curtain system. While many commercial buildings already utilize fire curtains, a growing number of schools now have these curtains installed for student and staff protection. A 2016 survey by the Center for Environmental Health, conducted in collaboration with the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the Sustainable Furnishing Council, determined that 43 companies representing 65 brands are now making fire retardant-free furniture. They all have to be treated. Fire retardant curtains are highly versatile and far easier to work with than constructing fire-rated boxes or other invasive and unattractive means of fire and smoke containment. California law doesn’t ban the chemicals but it requires that their presence be disclosed on the labels of any furniture made in or after 2015. The furniture is available exclusively through the company’s online store. They are quite flexible, despite being very thick, which makes the curtains ideal for a number of different applications. All products are labeled according to California’s flame retardant … The curtains do a better job of containing smoke too. If you purchased your sofa before 2015, there’s a good chance the manufacturer treated the cushion foam with toxic flame retardant chemicals linked to cancer and hormone disruption. or send an email. These curtains are made from a special type of fiberglass material and can withstand intense heat and block smoke from entering a protected room, elevator, or portion of the building. The school will have less downtime while curtains are being placed and expensive remodels aren't a concern. Aside from giving schools additional protection in the event of an emergency, these fire or smoke curtains are some of the most effective means of compartmentalizing an open space. People worry about toxicity, but the toxicity of a couch without flame retardants … Just call Doug at All products are labeled according to California’s flame retardant law. Considering cost, practicality, and overall effectiveness in both school occupant protection as well as fire and smoke control, fire retardant curtains can be an ideal solution for any school's fire safety program. As evidence of the dangers of flame retardants mount, we hope that even more flame retardant-free couches will be available soon. 405-260-8052 We can even give you a business card-sized tag that can be stapled to the inside hem of a curtain to show that it has been treated, as well as everything else you need to satisfy the fire marshal. Being able to block off stairs helps control smoke and limits exposure to those within the building on every level. The use of fire curtains means schools can easily create a safe boundary within a large, open room such as a cafeteria that will guide occupants safely out of the building without exposure to fire, smoke, or heat. But often they will notice decorations that have been in place for years that need to be treated with a fire retardant.