By Arabella Asis
Since the 1950s, the polybenzimidazole (PBI) fabric by Dr. Carl Marvel has been providing exceptional flame resistance and durability to protect firefighters, soldiers, astronauts, and civilians, making it the go-to choice for personal protective equipment in extreme conditions.
In the Philippines, where fire poses a significant threat to communities, March is observed as Fire Prevention Month. Every year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) highlights the critical role of firefighters as first responders to disasters.
BFP is fully committed to providing fast responses to man-made and natural disasters, stressing the need for high-performance protective gear.
PBI fabric is known for its blend of polybenzimidazole and other high-strength fibers, making it highly abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and breathable.
The fabric is not only used in firefighting but also in military and industrial applications where high-performance flame-resistant materials are required.
In fact, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration funded the research for PBI due to its importance in space missions.
Despite the high performance of PBI gear, the BFP continues to remind the public to avoid fire incidents, especially during the summer season.
While PBI gear provides the necessary protection, fire prevention remains a crucial element in ensuring the safety of communities. – gb