Flame retardant makers: Material saved lives in plane crash

The alliance acknowledged that the flame retardant material was not foolproof, however.

“While scientific advancements improved the circumstances around the disaster, it is still a terrible tragedy, in which two people lost their lives and many others were injured,” the group said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this crash.”

The Boeing 777 airplane burst into flames after crash landing short of the runway at San Francisco International Airport. Two of the more than 300 passengers who were on board the flight were killed, and more than 180 were injured.

The NAFRA said the accident showed the important of equipping airplanes with fire-resistant material. 

“This is not the first time that flame retardant materials have played a role in helping passengers escape a plane crash,” the NAFRA said. “Experts credited flame retardant materials, among other advancements, for helping to save 309 people during an Air France crash in Toronto in 2005. These real life examples underscore the research that shows that flame retardant materials can be effective in slowing the spread of fire and providing critical escape time, not only in airplanes, but in cars, homes and offices.”