Aviation-Guide - Flipbook - Page 41
There are no known adverse effects to domestic or farm animals which eat small
amounts of foliage covered with retardant; however reactions of animals may vary by
species. A veterinarian should be contacted if your animals eat significant amounts or
fire suppression/retardantcoated vegetation.
Like fertilizer, retardants which are not removed from vegetation, may cause the foliage
to turn brown and plant to wither. After rain, how ever, the plant should return to
normal and growth may be enhanced due to the added plant nutrients.
Retardants have been tested for toxicity to fish and water dwelling invertebrates. The
result, presented in the MSDS, indicate a relatively low order of acute toxicity to these
organisms. This indicates that runoff from the application of retardants is unlikely to
pose a serious threat to aquatic life. However, the free ammonia present in all fire
suppression/retardantsolutions can be quite toxic to aquatic life when directly applied.
Care is recommended, and is exercise by the using agencies during applicationof the
retardant, to minimize introduction into streams, ponds, and the like.
Fire Suppressant/Retardant Chemicals
Fire Suppressant/Retardant Chemicals and the
Enviroment
How Are Retardant Solutions Removed?
Wildland fire retardants are generally quite water soluble and can be removed with
little effort prior to drying. When allowed to dry, however, the gum thickener can form
films which tend to hold the dried retardant component rather tightly to that on which
it lands. This is desirable when it lands on wildland fuels. It is less desirable, how ever,
when trying to remove it from other areas. Retardant residues should consequently
be removed as soon as possible. After drying, some scrubbing or power washing of
structures and equipment may be required. A mild surfactant may assist in removal.
Solutions in general can increase the slipperiness of most surfaces. Retardant solutions
are not exceptions and care should be taken when working in and around spilled or
applied retardant. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid possible
falls. Care needs to be taken by personnel working in areas treated with wildland fire
retardants.
41
