A short circuit or direct exposure to fire can also cause a large-scale blaze.
Synthetic palm contains integrated chemicals that retard combustion, preventing fire from spreading as rapidly as in natural palm, thus providing more time to react to a potential fire. The chemicals used in this process are vital because, when exposed to a heat source like fire, they generate gases and odors that can be very harmful to the health of any living being. Therefore, it is necessary to meet two fundamental requirements:
• Prevent the heat source from spreading the fire to allow more time to evacuate the area and extinguish the fire.
• Prevent the health of any living being from being endangered by the inhalation of smoke and odors generated when the material is exposed to fire.
The indiscriminate use of chemicals used to prevent combustion causes:
• That the oxygen concentration decreases and carbon monoxide, toxic asphyxiant gases, carcinogens, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, arsenic, carbon dioxide, and cyanide, among others, are produced;
• That smoke and odors disperse rapidly in the area, and when inhaled, make breathing difficult. Because they are hot gases, they cause severe burns to the lungs and respiratory tract, to the point of being fatal.
To prevent these effects and to keep the fire from becoming an uncontrollable threat, it is important to use chemical products rationally, aiming to neutralize the following effects:
• That the palapa does not catch fire from the residue of fireworks, embers from grills, or cigarette butts;
• That in the event of a short circuit or an intentional act of starting a fire, combustion is hindered and, if it does occur, that the fire is prevented from spreading or the flames are reduced;
• That the generation of smoke and odors is reduced as much as possible to protect the health of all living beings.
The results of the tests performed can be seen at the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpz5qtSO8mU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfG8-r2mYXY
The three materials behaved differently, and we obtained the following results:
Based on these results, we were able to verify the vulnerability of natural palm because it combusts rapidly with all the heat sources applied to it. In contrast, synthetic palm, with or without fire retardant, does not combust when exposed to sparks or pyrotechnic residue, embers or glowing coals, and cigarettes. Only the area of contact is slightly damaged. When direct flame is applied with a blowtorch, as if in an intentional arson attack, synthetic palm WITHOUT fire retardant takes a long time to combust, and when it does, it begins to burn slowly, like candles. Synthetic palm WITH fire retardant withstands a little over 12 continuous minutes before slightly combusting, and when this happens, the flame tends to extinguish itself.
In both tests to which the synthetic palm was exposed, it can be observed that the smoke it emits is not abundant compared to that emitted by natural palm when it burns.
It's important to emphasize that accidental fires in palapas are caused by fireworks debris, embers from grills, flares, and sky lanterns, none of which are powerful enough to ignite the synthetic palm thatch. Intentionally using a blowtorch to set fires is an extreme measure that is uncommon, and even in such cases, the risk of poisoning from inhaling toxic fumes and odors, which are extremely harmful to health and can even cause death, is significantly reduced.
A natural palapa typically catches fire accidentally due to carelessness, negligence, or recklessness. The fire usually starts on the inside or lower part of the structure, rising to the interior ceiling with some intensity. It would hardly have the force of a blowtorch fire, because if it did, we would be dealing with a large-scale blaze that would surely last more than 30 seconds.
It is uncommon for a palapa to be intentionally set on fire, and it is even less common for an intense fire to providentially extinguish itself after 30 seconds, eliminating the danger (as happens with the blowtorch test).
The damage caused by fire is completely different depending on the distance from or proximity of the blowtorch, and the temperature of the fire is also a factor that can make a difference. Above all, if the materials being tested are made with different formulations, they will obviously behave differently.
It is vitally important to observe the quantity and density of the smoke emitted and the odor emanating from the material during the test. Since it is a video or photograph, the odor emitted by the material being tested cannot be perceived. Apparently, "saving" the synthetic palm (which is also destroyed) is considered more important than protecting the health of living beings, and no one takes into account the copious smoke it emits, nor the odor it gives off, which is clearly harmful to health.
Some studies related to the devastating effects of the chemical substances contained in flame retardants when consumed can be found at the following link:
https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/ipen_flame_retardants_v1_5b-es.pdf
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
With the exception of products made of stone or similar materials and metals that can withstand higher temperatures before melting, virtually all products on the market will burn when exposed to intense heat (intentionally or unintentionally). Synthetic palm is no exception. The fire resistance of synthetic palm should be compared to that of natural palm or cane to assess their differences.
The smoke generated by a fire is as dangerous as, or even more dangerous than, the fire itself, due to the harm caused by inhaling it as it spreads unpredictably, depending on the location and wind (Official sources from Fire Departments worldwide).
We are aware and convinced that there are no miracle products, practically indestructible, and the intention behind highlighting these consequences is not to criticize any manufacturer's products, but rather to invite all those who, due to our activities, participate in the manufacture, placement, or purchase of materials, directly or indirectly, to act responsibly and honestly, so as not to expose anyone to inhaling toxic odors or fumes that could cause injury or death.
We firmly believe that there are no "indestructible" products that can withstand intentional acts to start a fire, or that will not burn when that fire comes from an intense adjacent blaze, because when that happens, the fire destroys everything in its path, causing even metal to collapse.
We welcome any comments related to this extensive and interesting topic. We continue to research new and improved formulations, so any suggestions or feedback we receive from our clients and friends will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, General Management
Synthetic Palapas of Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V.