India's rapid urbanization and growing high-rise infrastructure have intensified concerns around fire safety, particularly in residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare buildings. In response to a series of devastating fire incidents reported across major cities, Zydex Industries is drawing attention to an often-overlooked factor in fire-related fatalities—the role of conventional wall paints and coatings in accelerating fire spread and generating toxic smoke.
According to data linked to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded more than 7,000 fire accidents in 2023, resulting in nearly 6,900 deaths. The number of fire-related casualties has continued to remain a serious concern in the years leading up to 2026. Industry experts note that in many enclosed-structure fires, toxic smoke inhalation—not direct exposure to flames—remains one of the leading causes of fatalities.
Toxic Smoke: The Hidden Threat During Building Fires
Recent fire incidents across cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Secunderabad have once again highlighted the dangers posed by toxic smoke generated inside buildings during emergencies.
Experts point out that many conventional acrylic and plastic-emulsion paints commonly used in residential and commercial structures are petroleum-polymer based. When exposed to extreme temperatures, these coatings can contribute to fire propagation and release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, significantly reducing the available evacuation time for occupants.
As awareness around fire-resistant construction materials grows, industry stakeholders are increasingly evaluating safer alternatives that can improve building safety without compromising aesthetics or durability.
Zydex Promotes Inorganic Silicate Mineral Paint Technology
Addressing this challenge, Zydex Industries has been advocating the use of silicate mineral paint technology—an inorganic coating system designed to enhance fire safety while delivering long-term performance.
Unlike traditional paints, silicate mineral paints are manufactured using potassium silicate and mineral fillers. Because of their inorganic composition, these coatings are inherently non-combustible and do not emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.
Speaking about the technology and its relevance in India's evolving construction landscape, Dr. Maulik Ranka, Managing Director of Zydex Group, said:
"India's construction sector is entering a phase where fire safety can no longer remain limited to structural compliance alone. Interior materials and coatings must also evolve. Traditional polymer-based paints can contribute to flame propagation and toxic smoke generation during fires. Silicate mineral paints are fundamentally different because they are inorganic, non-combustible, and chemically bond with masonry surfaces. This technology can significantly improve occupant safety by reducing smoke toxicity and extending critical evacuation time during emergencies."
He further added:
"As urban density increases across India, particularly in high-rise residential projects, schools, hospitals, hospitality infrastructure, and public buildings, safer surface technologies will become increasingly important. We believe mineral paint systems could eventually emerge as a mainstream safety-led coating solution globally."
Class 1 Fire Resistance Certification
Zydex Silicate Mineral Paints are certified under Class 1 fire resistance standards, representing one of the highest categories for fire-performance ratings.
The mineral-based binders used in the coating system do not act as fuel during a fire. Unlike conventional paints that may contribute to flame spread, mineral paints are designed to resist combustion and may only char under extreme conditions without propagating flames.
A key differentiator lies in the paint's silicification process. Rather than forming a superficial coating film, the paint chemically bonds with concrete, brick, plaster, and stone substrates, creating a durable microcrystalline structure that becomes an integral part of the wall surface.
This chemical integration improves durability while minimizing peeling, cracking, and the risk of contributing to fire spread.
Growing Relevance for High-Occupancy Buildings
With increasing focus on occupant safety, Zydex believes mineral paint technology can play a significant role in buildings where evacuation speed and air quality are critical factors during emergencies.
Potential applications include:
Schools and educational institutions
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Hotels and hospitality infrastructure
Libraries and public buildings
Cinemas and entertainment venues
Commercial office campuses
Premium residential developments
Government infrastructure projects
As fire safety regulations continue to evolve, the adoption of non-combustible building materials and safer interior coatings may become an increasingly important component of future-ready construction practices.
The Future of Fire-Safe Construction
The growing conversation around building safety is shifting from structural fire protection alone toward a more comprehensive approach that includes interior materials, furnishings, and surface coatings.
With increasing awareness about smoke toxicity and evacuation challenges in densely occupied buildings, innovations such as mineral paint technology are gaining attention as practical solutions that support safer living and working environments.
As India continues to invest heavily in urban infrastructure, sustainable and fire-safe construction materials are expected to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of resilient buildings.
