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New research conducted by forensic scientists at Anglia Ruskin University has shown that commonly used emollients can pose a significant fire risk once they have dried on tissues such as clothes and clothes. bedding.
Scientists have tested various emollients, some of which are commonly used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The results were published in the Fire Safety Journal and were presented at the UK Fire Investigators Association conference in Leeds last week.
Initial work focused on paraffin creams, lotions and ointments, but their recent laboratory research has shown that the presence of paraffin – free emollient increases the flammability of tissues.
Sarah Hall and Joanne Morrissey of Anglia Ruskin University measured the time needed for fabrics – including cotton to different yarns and the polyester-cotton blend – to ignite when contaminated with an emollient and to near a naked flame.
It took an average of 65 seconds for the uncontaminated tissues to ignite, while those containing emollient residues, from paraffin creams and without paraffin creams, caught fire in less than 20 seconds.
Dr. Hall, a senior lecturer in forensic science at Anglia Ruskin University, said, "We have been driven to perform this work as a result of some tragic cases reported by the Fire and Rescue Service. 39; Esbad and related to fires and the use of emollients. Since then, we have been working with Esbad Fire and Rescue, the London Fire Brigade and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"Our initial research focused on the range of paraffin-based creams, as this seemed to be the most obvious reason for flammability. However, we now find that the tissue contaminated by one of these creams reacts in the same way.
"We are currently conducting other research to identify all common ingredients and the best ways to remove clothing and bedding residues, such as the ideal wash temperature."
Chris Bell, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Supervisor, and the National Fire Chiefs Council Emollient Officer, said, "We welcome the report from Anglia Ruskin University and we thank the researchers for their willingness to explore this issue further.
"We want to rebadure people that emollients can be used safely. They are an effective treatment for skin conditions and should continue to be used.
"However, people need to know that by using emollients, they can come into contact with drying cloths, clothes, sheets or dressings, leaving behind a flammable residue. The fabric can then be easily ignited with smoking materials such as matches and lighters, open flames or other sources of heat.
"We ask people who prescribe, dispense or apply these products to realize that switching to a softer or paraffin-free emollient will not reduce the risk of fire. Washing the fabrics will reduce the risks but will not eliminate them completely. "
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Security Messages:
- Emollient products such as creams, aerosols, liquids or gels are safe to use and essential for the skin conditions they treat. The danger exists when product residues penetrate tissues, bedding, clothing and bandages. This dried residue will make the fabric more flammable.
- The risk of paraffin-free emollients should not be ruled out, as initial tests indicate that the risk is similar to that of paraffin-based emollients.
- We recommend that people who prescribe, dispense and apply these products talk to patients and inform them of the risk of fire.
- Prescribers who have replaced their patients with a paraffin-free product or paraffin-free alternative should be aware that this will not reduce the risk.
- People who use products should not come close to open flames, smoking equipment, cooking appliances and heaters.
- Stay away from people who smoke if there is a risk of tissue contamination.
- Washing the fabrics at the highest temperature recommended on the care label will reduce emollient residues, but will not completely eliminate them. Therefore, be careful and stay away from the fire.
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