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Halogens like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine are used in many different plastic based items to keep the plastic from catching fire. Ironically, if the plastic does manage to ignite, these same chemicals give of toxic fumes, which pose a threat to humans and animals that are in close quarters with the substance. As a safer alternative, low smoke zero halogen compounds are now being incorporated into these same plastic items, allowing the excellent protection from fire without the potential hazard if the plastic does indeed ignite. What Are These Chemicals? You may not realize it, but halogens are a big part of our everyday lives. Think about the toothpaste that you use every day to brush your teeth - that toothpaste contains fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy. What about the chlorine that keeps your pool water clean? And we can't forget the medicine cabinet - especially the iodine that helps to clean cuts and ward off infections. When incorporated with plastics, each of these chemicals also provides strong flame retardant abilities. The PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes used to channel water through your home contain chloride. The same material may also make up the strong covering that encloses your computer cords and other electrical cords. Why Are These Chemicals Dangerous? Ironically, these fire retardant chemicals pose a very real threat if they do happen to catch on fire. Once ignited, these plastic compounds release toxic gases. If inhaled, these hazardous gases can pose major health threats. It can even be fatal. At the very least, they cause severe irritation to an individual's eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Besides the highly toxic fumes produced by these compounds, clouds of dense black smoke can also be created. The dense black smoke severely limits visibility and prolonging the evacuation process. And as evacuation is slowed, victims are exposed to the toxic gases for a longer time. Furthermore, when these toxins come in contact with water - such as when the fire is being extinguished - they cause significant property damage. The halogens combine with moisture to produce hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is dangerously corrosive and can be deadly to humans. It will also eat away at electrical switchboards, motors, fixtures, floor coverings, painted surfaces, as well as furnishings. Enter Low Smoke Zero Halogen Compounds Fortunately, low smoke zero halogen compounds (LSZH) are just as effective at warding of flames, but pose little danger to human health. When the time comes to set up your new computer, television, video gaming system, or add wiring to your home, you'll want to choose LSZH cabling. These products are just as effective at keeping flames at bay, with the added bonus of no toxic gas release if they do happen to ignite. Whether you're installing new cables in your home or in your place of business, low smoke zero halogen compounds are the way to go. In case of a fire, you'll limit the toxic fumes and even the heavy smoke by using this safer alternative. Interested in trying out low smoke zero halogen compounds? OTECH Corporation has just what you need. Learn more at http://otechcompounds.com.
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