On 20 June 2025, the UK Environment Agency published the Flame Retardant Scoping Review. It evaluated 124 flame - retardant chemicals in the UK market, studying their environmental and health risks. The aim was to identify retardants used in Great Britain, looking at market size, hazards, risks, and current regulations.
Background
Flame retardants, used in plastics, textiles, and coatings to reduce fire risks, have been in the spotlight. After the UK Environment Agency's first comprehensive 2003 report, calls for a fresh industry - wide risk assessment emerged as technology and markets evolved, despite action on individual retardants. This study combined regulatory databases, industry input, and a limited literature review to create a prioritization framework based on market presence, hazard indicators, and exposure data.
Key Findings
- Applications: Among 73 flame retardants with clear uses, 78% are in plastics, 71% in coatings, and 60% in textiles.
- Hazard Characteristics:
- 30% have very low human toxicity.
- 24% are highly toxic to wildlife at low doses.
- 20% may disrupt endocrine systems.
- 18% are environmentally persistent and mobile.
- 10% are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
- Combined Risk: About a third of the flame retardants have two or more hazard traits.
The full report is available on the UK Environment Agency’s official website. This assessment will guide the agency in prioritizing further evaluations and assist the government in developing a strategic approach to regulate flame retardants in the market.
Further Information
