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What are fire retardants, how they impact health and environment?

Fire retardants, like Phos-Chek, are essential in battling wildfires, slowing flame spread by disrupting chemical reactions. However, environmental and health impacts—such as toxicity to wildlife & potential human health concerns—remain a growing concern.

By Ground Report Desk
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What are fire retardants, how they impact health and environment?

Fire retardants and impact health and the environment. Photograph: (Canva)

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In recent weeks, Los Angeles has faced dangerous wildfires, with flames spreading across dry hillsides and threatening homes, businesses, and wildlife. As firefighting crews work to control the fires, aeroplanes have been seen dropping thousands of gallons of fire retardant to slow the flames.

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Fire retardants are common in wildfire management, especially in California, where fire seasons have become increasingly intense due to climate change and prolonged droughts. While these fire retardants are critical in battling wildfires, questions remain about their environmental and health impacts.

What are fire retardants?

Fire retardants are chemical mixtures designed to slow fire spread. In Los Angeles, firefighters use Phos-Chek LC95, a product from Perimeter Solutions approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Air tankers release thousands of gallons of this substance in strategic locations, creating firebreaks to protect homes and natural habitats.

Phos-Chek is a blend of water, fertiliser, and a red dye for pilots during drops. The fertiliser, mainly ammonium phosphate, alters the fire’s chemical reactions, making it harder for vegetation to ignite. The red tint fades over time due to sunlight.

“These retardants coat fuels, depriving them of oxygen and slowing combustion,” explains Daniel McCurry, an associate professor at the University of Southern California. Even after the water evaporates, the remaining chemicals provide protection, making them effective barriers against advancing flames.

How do fire retardants work & environment impact?

Wildfires spread rapidly by igniting plant materials that release flammable compounds when heated. Fire retardants disrupt this process. Phos-Chek interacts with plant cellulose to produce non-flammable carbon residue, slowing the fire’s progress and giving firefighters time to establish ground defences.

“Fire retardants are typically dropped at the fire’s edge rather than in its center,” McCurry notes. “This placement helps prevent the fire from spreading to vulnerable areas, such as residential neighbourhoods or sensitive ecosystems.”

While these are vital in wildfire management, they pose environmental risks. The U.S. Forest Service prohibits aerial drops over waterways and sensitive habitats, except in emergencies involving human safety, to minimise harm to aquatic life and endangered species.

Studies suggest Phos-Chek may contain trace amounts of heavy metals, including cadmium and chromium, which can be toxic to wildlife and humans. Although these metals are not intentionally added, they may occur as impurities in the salts used. A ScienceDirect study raised concerns about the environmental distribution of halogenated flame retardants used in various fire  due to their persistent and toxic effects on ecosystems. These compounds have been found in household dust, wildlife, and human blood, highlighting their widespread contamination and long-lasting impact.

The resilience of fire retardants poses another challenge. Chemicals can persist in the environment for extended periods, infiltrating soil and water sources. This raises concerns about their long-term ecological effects, particularly for species threatened by habitat loss and climate change. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) notes that prolonged exposure to some fire retardants, such as those containing bromine and chlorine, could disrupt hormonal systems and impair reproductive health in humans and wildlife.

Health concerns for humans and wildlife

For residents near fire zones, the immediate health risk comes from airborne particles rather than the retardants. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“People walking through burned areas should wear respirators to protect against smoke and ash,” McCurry advises. Ash may contain toxic substances like arsenic, lead, and asbestos, emphasising the need for caution.

Phos-Chek doesn’t contain PFAS—harmful “forever chemicals” — or substances under California’s Proposition 65, but some research highlights potential health concerns. Chronic exposure to fire retardants may disrupt endocrine systems, impair reproduction, and increase cancer risk. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing organs and behaviours, such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact.

Wildlife worldwide faces increasing exposure to toxic flame retardants. A 2023 study revealed contamination in over 100 species, from Arctic foxes to red pandas, affecting their populations. Large predators like killer whales are particularly at risk, as chemicals accumulate in higher concentrations up the food chain.

Closer to home, California’s wildlife faces similar threats. Birds, amphibians, and small mammals in areas treated with fire retardants may experience harm. Studies show that flame retardants can shrink livers and harm reproductive systems in amphibians like frogs.

The widespread use of flame retardants raises questions about their effectiveness. Many products are based on outdated 1970s fire safety standards and may not be necessary. Critics argue the risks outweigh the benefits, especially for wildlife that can’t avoid exposure.

Despite their drawbacks, fire retardants remain essential in the fight against wildfires, particularly in challenging terrains. Without these chemical barriers, fires could spread unchecked, causing greater devastation to communities and ecosystems.

Aviation teams play a critical role in this effort. Experienced pilots navigate low altitudes over rugged landscapes for precise drops. However, this work is perilous, with aviation accidents claiming dozens of firefighters’ lives. Their bravery underscores the complexity of wildfire management and the human cost of protecting lives and property.

Looking ahead

As Los Angeles battles wildfires, the debate over fire retardants underscores a broader challenge: balancing immediate needs with long-term environmental stewardship. Researchers are exploring alternatives to current formulas, aiming to develop effective and environmentally friendly products. Studies from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences focus on reducing the environmental and health risks of fire retardants, emphasising minimising exposure to toxic compounds like halogenated flame retardants, which bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is investigating the health effects of flame retardants, aiming to minimise risks to humans and wildlife. Scientists are also examining safer disposal methods for products containing these chemicals to prevent further contamination.

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