12 hours ago
Last Updated:January 14, 2025, 15:28 IST
Thousands of gallons of the powder- Phos-Chek- has been used to contain Los Angeles wildfires. The substance is a fire retardant and has been widely used across the US since the 1960s.
Los Angeles Wildfires: Phos-Chek is sprayed in advance of a fire- making a coat on vegetation and other flammable surfaces.
In Los Angeles, air tankers are dropping a bright pink powder to fight the raging wildfires. Thousands of gallons of the powder- Phos-Chek- has been used in the past week to contain the flames.
The substance is a fire retardant and has been widely used across the US since the 1960s. Perimeter Solutions manufactures Phos-Chek which is the most-used fire retardant in the world, as per a report in the Associated Press.
Why is Phos-Chek pink in colour?
The company’s spokesperson told BBC that the pink dye added to Phos-Chek helps in becoming a visual marker for pilots and firefighters which makes them see where the retardant has been deployed. However, the colour fades after several days of exposure to sunlight.
How does Phos-Chek work?
The fire retardant is sprayed in advance of a fire- making a coat on vegetation and other flammable surfaces, The New York Times reported. This prevents oxygen from fuelling the fire and helps in slowing down the spread of flames. The retardant- with core components like ammonium polyphosphate- can endure harsh conditions and last longer than water.
Are there risks in using Phos-Chek?
Yes, high winds can make aerial drops dangerous and amid strong gusts, the powder may scatter before it reaches its target which thereby reduces its effectiveness. Environmental experts raised concerns about the substance’s impact on ecosystems and human health citing research that suggests that the chemicals used in fire retardants pose a toxic threat to the environment.
Location :Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
First Published:January 14, 2025, 15:25 IST
News world What Is Phos-Chek? Pink Powder Helping Firefighters Battle Los Angeles Wildfires
