When people picture fire danger, they think of flames. But the leading cause of fire fatalities is smoke inhalation — and the chemistry of your fire retardant has a lot to do with how toxic that smoke is. That's the whole case for going halogen-free.
What are halogenated flame retardants?
Halogenated flame retardants contain bromine or chlorine. They've been used for decades because they're effective — they interrupt the chemical chain reaction of combustion. The problem shows up when they burn: they can release corrosive, toxic gases and dioxins. Several halogenated compounds have been restricted or phased out internationally over health and environmental concerns.
What "halogen-free" actually means
A halogen-free fire retardant achieves flame resistance without bromine or chlorine. The best modern options — like LDH (layered double hydroxide) — work physically rather than through halogen chemistry. When heated, they release harmless water vapour and leave inert mineral residue.
Why it matters for the spaces you live in
- Air quality: no halogen gases means safer air during a fire and no lingering solvent smell during application.
- Occupant safety: critical for homes, schools, hospitals and hotels where people — including children and the elderly — are present.
- Environmental impact: halogen-free chemistry avoids persistent pollutants that build up in the environment.
- Future-proofing: as regulations tighten against halogenated retardants, halogen-free products stay compliant.
Aeon Core is halogen-free by design. When exposed to heat it releases only water vapour and inert residue — never toxic halogen gases or dioxins.
Halogen-free doesn't mean weak
A common myth is that non-toxic means less effective. The data says otherwise. Aeon Core's LDH retained 82.4% of its mass at 899°C in TGA testing — a strong, stable heat shield — while remaining completely halogen-free. You can have safety and performance.
Choosing a non-toxic fire retardant
Look for three things: a clear "halogen-free" statement, a water-based (not solvent) carrier, and published test data. Aeon Core LDH Gel ticks all three, and it's safe for wood, fabric, paper and interiors. Talk to us about protecting your space the non-toxic way.