Citation

Ridd MJ, Hall S, Lane ME, Roberts A, Williams HC. BMJ 2022; 376: e066102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj-2021-066102

PMID

35165089

Abstract

... Emollients are an important treatment and generally safe; they are not flammable in themselves, in their container, or on the skin. However, awareness of fire risk--from fabric that has become impregnated with emollient residue--is low.123

Emollient can transfer from skin onto clothing, furniture, and bedding, which accumulates over time--even with regular washing, some residue remains. A naked flame is needed for ignition. The residue acts as an accelerant, increasing the speed of ignition and intensity of a fire, reducing the time available to extinguish it...

Language: en