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Fires can be fatal due to toxic smoke. Choosing fire-resistant paint over conventional paint can be beneficial for home safety. Let's learn how it can save lives in the event of a fire.

fire resistant paint

From Delhi to Muzaffarpur in Bihar, fire incidents have horrified everyone. Did you know that most deaths in fire incidents are not caused by flames, but by suffocation from toxic smoke? Did you also know that the paint on your beautiful walls can be a major source of this toxic smoke? It's worth noting that nowadays everyone wants to make their homes beautiful and safe. We spend lakhs of rupees on doors, wiring, and other safety features, but neglect the wall paint. There are many paints available in the market that are formulated using fire-resistant technology. Let's learn about them.

What is the number of fire incidents in India?

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2023 alone, there were over 7,000 fire incidents in India, claiming nearly 6,900 lives. This figure is projected to become even more alarming by 2026. Experts say that when fires break out in enclosed buildings or homes, people lose their lives less due to the flames than due to toxic fumes (carbon monoxide) emitted by burning wall paint or plastic. Recent incidents in cities like Delhi and Muzaffarpur are prime examples of this.

How does your old paint become 'fuel' in a fire?

Acrylic and plastic-emulsion paint are still used in most Indian homes. This paint is shiny and inexpensive, but it has a petroleum-polymer base. Simply put, these paints contain a chemical that, when ignited, acts just like petrol or plastic. When a fire breaks out, this paint burns rapidly on the walls and spreads toxic smoke throughout the house. This causes suffocation for those trapped inside, leaving them without time to escape.

What is the solution to this?

To prevent this deadly problem, silicate mineral paints have emerged as the best and safest solution. These paints are completely natural and inorganic. They are made from potassium silicate and minerals. They do not contain a petroleum base, so they are flammable. Even if a large fire breaks out in a room, these paints will not burn, only slightly scorching. Most importantly, these paints do not emit any toxic fumes.

This paint becomes part of the wall.

According to Dr. Maulik Ranka, MD of Zydex Group, conventional paints simply create a layer of plastic on the wall, which flakes and burns in a fire. Mineral paint, on the other hand, forms a chemical bond with concrete, brick, or plaster. Once applied, this paint becomes part of the wall. Therefore, it neither flakes nor allows the fire to spread. Reducing smoke, it gives people more time to safely exit their homes. Silicate mineral paint technology is proving to be the best and safest solution to prevent this deadly problem.