In the wake of a series of devastating residential and commercial fire incidents across India, Zydex Industries is drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of fire safety: the role of wall paints in accelerating fire spread and generating toxic smoke.
According to NCRB-linked data, India recorded more than 7,000 fire accidents in 2023, resulting in nearly 6,900 deaths, with fatalities increasing in the subsequent years leading up to 2026. Fire incidents in residential buildings remain among the leading causes of accidental fatalities. Safety experts increasingly point out that smoke inhalation and toxic gases, often generated by combustible interior materials and coatings, account for a significant proportion of deaths during enclosed-structure fires.
India has witnessed a sharp rise in high-rise and institutional fire incidents in recent years. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), fire accidents account for thousands of deaths annually, with smoke inhalation emerging as one of the leading causes of fatalities in enclosed structures. Recent incidents in Secunderabad, Mumbai and Delhi have once again highlighted how toxic smoke, rather than flames, often becomes the primary cause of casualties during building fires.
Industry experts point out that conventional acrylic and plastic-emulsion paints commonly used across Indian buildings are petroleum-polymer based and can act as an additional fuel source during a fire. When exposed to high temperatures, these coatings may release hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, significantly reducing evacuation time for occupants.
In contrast, silicate mineral paints are entirely inorganic in nature. Manufactured using potassium silicate and mineral fillers, these coatings are inherently non-combustible and do not emit toxic fumes under extreme heat conditions.
Speaking on the technology and its growing relevance for India, Dr. Maulik Ranka, Managing Director, 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 the Indian subcontinent, especially 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.”
Zydex Silicate Mineral Paints are certified Class 1 for fire resistance, the highest category, reflecting their superior safety performance. Tested for their fire-resistant properties, these paints use mineral based binders that do not add fuel to a fire and at most may only char without propagating flames.
Unlike conventional coatings that merely form a surface film, Zydex Silicate Mineral Paints undergo silicification, chemically bonding with concrete, plaster, brick, or stone surfaces to form a durable microcrystalline matrix. As the coating becomes part of the substrate itself, it neither peels nor contributes to fire spread.
The company believes this technology is particularly relevant for schools, colleges, hospitals, libraries, hotels, cinemas, large commercial campuses and premium residential developments, where evacuation time and air quality during a fire are critical.
Mr. Amrendra Mishra, Chief Operating Officer, Zydex Paints, said, “India is witnessing a visible shift toward healthier, sustainable and safety-driven construction materials. Silicate mineral paints are no longer viewed only as a premium lifestyle choice for superior durability and breathability; they are increasingly being evaluated from a fire-safety perspective as well. This creates a significant business opportunity across institutional infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality and modern real estate developments.”
He added, “Globally, mineral-based coatings are already preferred in several public infrastructure projects because they do not generate dense smoke or toxic emissions. In India too, growing awareness among architects, developers and facility owners could accelerate adoption, particularly in spaces where human safety is paramount.”
Established in 1997, Zydex has emerged as a leading innovator in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials sector, with a strong focus on sustainable mineral paints and waterproofing technologies. Today, the company operates with a workforce of over 1,200 professionals and has built a growing global footprint through eco-conscious and high-performance solutions designed for long-term durability and environmental responsibility.
