Maverick Shelters was founded to do things differently. We design and manufacture light weight shelters free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and long chain PFCs. All of our materials are locally sourced in the US to keep our supply chain carbon footprint to a minimum. Every product we make is guaranteed to be long life cycle product. Every shelter is manufactured in Oregon.
In brief
Since 1976, camping tents have been required to pass the CPAI 84 flammability testing standard. Fire retardant chemicals are added to the urethane coating. Unfortunately these fire retardant chemicals have been proven to cause a wide range of health problem in humans. These chemicals cause cancer, neurological damage, thyroid and hormone issues, developmental problems in children. Even worse, it bioaccumulates in human tissue causing many other long term health concerns. This is why every shelter we make is guaranteed to be free of fire retardants of any kind.
In Depth
The first flame resistant fabric was made in 1861 when French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, discovered in 1821 that ammonium phosphates and borax could make textiles relatively flame retardant. Textiles before then were made entirely of natural fibers. Although, some synthetic fabrics (such as “artificial silk” or “rayon”) were invented during the 19th century, they were made from modifying tree bark.
Modern Synthetic fabrics
The modern age of synthetic fabrics started when nylon was invented in 1935, polyester in 1941, Spectra in 1963 and KEVLAR® in 1966. Modern lightweight tents are made with either nylon or polyester fabrics. Since these materials are synthesized from petrochemicals, they have a relatively low melt temperature and ignition point.
n 1976, the Canvas Products Association International established a standard of flammability for recreational tents. The standard applied to “camping tentage” defined as any portable temporary shelter or structure designed to protect people from the elements. This includes everything from children’s play tents to awnings and camping tents.
The Chemicals used
The first fire retardants used on nylon and polyester were polychlorinated biphenyls, (PCBs). It was found to be carcinogenic and was banned in 1979.
PCBs were largely replaced by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The EU banned the use of several PBDEs in 2004 and more in 2008 as various health risks were discovered associated with these chemicals. In 2012 the California Center for Environmental Health filed notices of intent to sue several leading retailers for violating California law for failing to disclose and label product that contained cancer causing flame retardants.
How bad is it?
Most Americans have measurable amounts of PBDEs in their bloodstream. Sources range from dust on a TV (FRs used in electronics are particularly harmful and accumulate nearby when heated).
We know the fire retardants and BPDE cause thyroid disruption, memory and learning problems, delayed mental and physical development, lower IQ, advance puberty and reduced fertility. Earlier FRs are known to cause cancer and birth defects and numerous other health problems.
North American children have the highest levels of FRs in their blood in the world, 20- 200 times the amount found in European children. However, we don’t know what an acceptable level is. It takes many years if not decades to know the effect of these levels.
In 2009 two of the three commercially available PBDEs were added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and all 150 nations in the convention banned its use.
Cancer has been the #1 cause of death in fireman since the year 2000.