What does flammability testing assess in textiles?

Flammability testing is a crucial assessment method used to evaluate how textiles react when exposed to fire. The primary focus of this testing is on the spread of flame and the generation of smoke. These aspects are vital for safety in interiors, as materials that ignite easily or produce large amounts of smoke can pose significant risks in the event of a fire. Understanding the behavior of a fabric in flames can help in making informed choices about materials used in various environments, such as residential, commercial, or public spaces.

The other options, while important aspects of fabric evaluation, do not pertain to flammability testing. For instance, color retention concerns how well a fabric maintains its color after washing or exposure to sunlight. Tensile strength refers to the fabric’s resistance to being pulled apart, which is unrelated to its behavior when ignited. The overall weight of the fabric is a physical characteristic providing information on density and sturdiness but does not assess its flammability. Therefore, the focus of flammability testing distinctly aligns with measuring the spread of flame and smoke generation, making it the correct answer.