põlemata

Põlemata is an Estonian term meaning non-flammable or non-combustible. It is used to describe materials that do not ignite or sustain combustion under standard fire exposure. The word appears in product specifications, safety data sheets, construction documents and fire safety guidelines to communicate a material’s resistance to ignition.

In practice, põlemata is tied to fire performance classifications used in European standards. For example, classifications such as A1 denote non-combustible materials, while A2 indicates limited combustibility; these classifications align with the general concept of põlemata in Estonian. It is important to note that a material described as non-flammable does not guarantee complete fireproofing. Under extreme heat, such materials may degrade, lose structural integrity, melt, or release smoke and potentially toxic gases.

Common examples of põlemata materials include concrete, brick, stone, glass and most metals, as well as mineral-based products like cement boards or mineral wool insulation. Some plastics or composites may be rated as põlemata if they meet specific criteria, but many plastics are inherently flammable and would not carry this designation. The term is used to help designers and builders assess fire risk and select appropriate materials to meet safety objectives in buildings and other structures.