Within the last decade the use of plastics has become so widespread that hardly any aspect of present-day life can be carried out without coming into contact with plastic products. Due to processability and cost factors, plastic products ranging from disposable forks and spoons through household appliances to automobile and boat layups are a common denominator of our present-day technology. The widespread use of plastics mandates that their flammability characteristics be evaluated in a rational and consistent manner and that these flammability parameters be compared to those of the naturally occurring polymers (wood and paper products) which are being increasingly replaced by plastics.