Flame retardants are chemicals that are added to materials or products in order to slow down, prevent or reduce the spread of fire. These substances work by either reducing the flammability of the material they are applied to or by delaying the ignition time when exposed to heat or flame. Flame retardants can be found in various applications such as textiles, plastics, foams and building materials among others. They play a crucial role in fire safety measures for both residential and commercial settings.