As part of a program for identifying potential environmental hazards associated with various branches of technology, a review of the literature on flame retardants for textiles has been prepared. Covering the periods 1954-74, more than 500 primary documents and consultations with experts have been digested and cited. Chemicals and chemical treatments which are being used or have been proposed for producing flame retardant textiles are listed and discussed. Particular attention is given to toxicological data, to observations of health effects and to studies of environmental fates and effects of the materials which are used. The report is divided into major sections in which classes of natural and man-made textiles are considered separately. Several chemicals are identified as having their major application as flame retardants for textiles. These include certain halogenated monomers, halogenated phosphate esters, and formaldehyde derivatives of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds. The need for further studies of the fate and effects of these compounds is indicated.

"EPA/560-1-76-004." "February 1976." "PB 251 441." Prepared under contract no. 68-01-2209 by Auerbach Associates, inc., Philadelphia, Pa., for the Office of Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection Agency. "Supercedes AUER-2200-TR-1, EPA-560/1-76-001, (Preliminary Report)." Includes bibliographical references (pages B1-B54).