Scientists Breed Flame-Resistant Cotton, Without Added Chemicals
29th June 2023
A research team at the USDA has developed new lines of cotton that are naturally flame-resistant — even putting themselves out when lit.
The ability could help cut back on the use of flame retardants, chemicals applied to a vast array of commercial products, like clothing, carpets, upholstery, and mattresses, to prevent cotton’s flammable fibers from burning people if there’s a fire — but which come with a variety of negative health and environmental impacts.