Using flame retardant to reduce fire hazards is a basic element of product safety. Fire retardance is achieved in plastics through chemical reactions that moderate one or more of the elements (fuel, heat, or oxygen) necessary for burning to take place. These additives serve to make ignition of plastics more difficult, inhibit the combustion process, and limit heat release. Flame retardants are added to plastic materials to meet the flammability standards for applications such as electrical and electronic components, building and construction materials, automotive and aviation, and shipping pallets. Along with complementary technologies like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, flame retardants make an important contribution to fire safety.