Top of Page 6. Different generic classes of fibers have different burning characteristics. Polyester and nylon fibers may be slower to ignite, shrink and pull away from the flame source initially, but eventually will burn with a flame. A chemical odor is given off. The melting residue is a very high temperature and can cause deep and severe skin burns.
Acrylic fibers burn with a flaming, melting drip of molten material.
All manufactured fibers burn at a high temperature and can cause severe skin injury because they shrink as they burn and tend to stick to skin. Although these fibers have RnaturalS flame retardance because they are difficult to ignite and burn slowly, fabrics of these fibers often burn easily because of an open fabric weave or knit and dyes or finishes present. Blends sometimes are more dangerous than either individual fiber. Top of Page 7. Some fibers are engineered for industrial purposes to be flame resistant.