I asked a couple of researchers in our department who do a lot of work with
protective clothing from fires  about the fabric softener issue and this is
what they told me......
 
They said that the fabric softener may raise the nap (or fibres) causing an
increased ability to burn but that the fabric may still pass the flame
test(this is only speculation).  If anyone wants to refer to the article it
was written in the "National Post", Feb. 6, 2002 (Canadian national
newspaper).
 
Shirley
 
Shirley Ellis, MAC, CAPC
FSO/Conservator
Department of Human Ecology
B-20 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2N1
ph (780) 492-7678  fax (780) 492-4821
email:  [log in to unmask]
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Mary W. Ballard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 9:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: ACTS Facts/Fire risk from fabric softeners
 
 
Some of you may be familiar with the newsletter "ACTS Facts" [Arts, Crafts,
and Theater Safety] organized and distributed by Monona Rossol.
[subscriptions $18/US per year,$21/for Canada/Mexico, $24 elsewhere; 181
Thompson St. #23, N.Y., N.Y. 10012] ACTS Facts puts out notices about
various safety hazards. This month's pages has a reference to the hazard of
laundering fire retardant fabrics with a fabric softener and that fluffy
cottons are made more flammable by the use of fabric softeners. While
cationic finishes like fabric softeners are not normally used on museum
objects, exhibition designers may ask about fire retardants, and laundry
procedures...The accidental death that prompted the investigation occurred
in Canada--perhaps some Canadian textile conservators have more information?
Mary Ballard
 
 
Shirley
 
Shirley Ellis, MAC, CAPC
FSO/Conservator
Department of Human Ecology
B-20 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2N1
ph (780) 492-7678  fax (780) 492-4821
email:  [log in to unmask]