There are obvious benefits in using flame-retardants, as many human lives and property are saved from fire. A large number of compounds have been identified as being used as flame-retardants. At present, knowledge of long-term effects resulting from exposure to flame retardants and their breakdown products is limited. The aim of this volume in the book series "New Concepts in Polymer Science" is to provide a general overview of the nature, mechanism of action, use and environmental hazards for a number of flame-retardants. This monograph (together with the book by the same authors, "Ecological Aspects of Polymer Flame Retardancy" (1999) will valuable to anyone interested in the field of flame-retardant chemicals.