Most people are aware of chlorine use in cleaning products, or as a disinfectant in swimming pools. However, chlorine also has properties that make it valuable in the fight against fire.

Chlorinated paraffins and chlorinated phosphates are used to prevent a whole range of materials from catching fire, including leather, paints and coatings, rubbers, textiles, foam fillings for furniture, and other materials. 

It is also due to its chlorine content that polyvinylchloride (PVC) has some intrinsic fire-resistant properties.