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Sources and Citations Policy

Effective Date: March 2026

FireRetardant.com (“we,” “our,” or “the Website”) is an independent, non-commercial educational resource. This Sources and Citations Policy explains how we select, evaluate, and rely on information sources to ensure our content remains accurate, credible, and responsibly presented.

Our goal is to maintain a high standard of informational integrity by prioritizing authoritative, science-based, and publicly verifiable sources.

1. Commitment to Accuracy

Accuracy is a foundational principle of FireRetardant.com. We are committed to publishing content that reflects reliable, evidence-based information wherever possible.

Because fire science, environmental regulation, and safety standards evolve over time, we recognize the importance of continuous review and the use of trusted primary sources to support factual claims.

We prioritize clarity, transparency, and accountability in all referenced material.

2. How We Use Sources

Content on this Website is developed using a combination of:

– Government publications and regulatory agencies
– Scientific research papers and peer-reviewed studies
– Technical standards organizations
– Academic institutions and universities
– Official industry safety guidelines and documentation

We prioritize primary sources whenever available, and we avoid relying on unverified, opinion-based, or non-expert commentary for technical subject matter.

3. Primary Authority Sources (United States)

We frequently reference and prioritize information from the following U.S. government agencies and institutions:

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

4. Primary Authority Sources (Canada)

We also rely on Canadian federal and national agencies, including:

  • Health Canada
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
  • Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group)
  • Transport Canada
  • Canadian Forest Service
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC)

5. Academic and Research Institutions

Where appropriate, we reference peer-reviewed research and publications from leading academic institutions, including but not limited to:

  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia (UBC)
  • McGill University
  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
  • University of Washington

These institutions are included due to their contributions to environmental science, chemistry, engineering, and public safety research.

6. Standards and Technical Organizations

We may also reference internationally recognized standards bodies, including:

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
  • ASTM International

These organizations provide widely adopted technical standards relevant to fire safety, materials science, and environmental performance.

7. Source Evaluation Standards

Not all sources are treated equally. When evaluating information, we prioritize:

– Peer-reviewed or scientifically validated research
– Government-issued or regulatory documentation
– Widely recognized engineering and safety standards
– Recent and up-to-date publications
– Transparent methodology and verifiable data

We avoid relying on speculative, promotional, or non-expert sources when discussing technical or safety-related topics.

8. Citation Practices

We aim to ensure that important factual claims are supported by credible references, either directly within the content or through implied reliance on established standards and research.

While not every sentence will include explicit citations, our editorial process is guided by verifiable source material throughout.

9. Limitations

Although we make every effort to rely on authoritative sources, no website can guarantee absolute completeness or real-time accuracy across all subject areas.

Users are encouraged to consult original regulatory bodies, scientific publications, or qualified professionals for critical or time-sensitive decisions.

10. Contact

If you believe a source should be corrected, updated, or reconsidered, or if you have suggestions for additional authoritative references, please contact us:

Email: contact@fireretardant.com