News Chemistry

Plant-based fire retardants may offer a less toxic way to tame flames

Scientists have converted acids found in tea leaves and buckwheat into fire-resistant chemicals

chair with flame resistant tag

New plant-based flame retardants could ward off fires without the toxic effects of their commercially used counterparts.

Anthony Boulton/iStock /Getty Images Plus

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

Flame retardants are going green.

Using compounds from plants, researchers are concocting a new generation of flame retardants, which one day could replace the fire-quenching chemicals added by manufacturers to furniture, electronics and other consumer products.