This article explores the composition and potential risks of the red fire retardant dropped by air tankers during wildfire suppression efforts.
Fire crews and air tankers are working to contain wildfires, with images of red fire retardant being dropped common. The retardant, used for decades by the Forest Service, is a mixture of water, fertilizer, and rust for color. It slows fire spread by cooling and coating fuels, depleting oxygen, and changing how fuels burn. The main ingredient is ammonium phosphate fertilizer. While effective, the use of large quantities has spurred concerns about potential harm.
Phos-Chek, a common retardant, doesn't contain substances flagged by California's Proposition 65, but some fire suppression products can include toxic heavy metals. The most immediate danger from air tanker operations is to the pilots, who perform a heroic job guiding planes through challenging terrain
WILDFIRES FIRE RETARDANT AIR TANKERS ENVIRONMENT RISKS
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