Two federal standards govern the flammability of carpet produced in the United States in addition to many more local building and fire codes. Many carpet manufacturers find it necessary to improve the ignition resistance of their products with the addition of certain types of fillers, additives, and/or synergists to the carpet backing compound. This paper will provide an overview of combustion theory and resistance mechanisms, review the current state of ignition resistance technology used in the carpet industry, and highlight the development of a high solids, inherently ignition resistant latex.