Published at 20 August, 2020 09:53.
Fire Risk To Emollient Cream Users
Emollient skin products are widely prescribed and dispensed for various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, bed sores and ulcers. They are safe to use but can soak into clothing, dressings and bedding leaving a flammable residue. If exposed to a naked flame or a heat source, such as a cigarette, lighter, gas cooker, heater or fire, these saturated fabrics can catch fire; the residue will help the fire develop and spread rapidly which could result in serious injury or death.
FAQs:
What are emollient skin products?
They are moisturisers which may contain paraffin or other products like shea or cocoa butter, beeswax, lanolin, nut oil or mineral oils and they work by covering the skin with a protective film or barrier which keeps the moisture in.
Are they only prescribed by doctors?
Emollients are commonly prescribed by GPs, nurses and other clinicians over long periods of time to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and sores. Many of these products can also be purchased over the counter in chemists and supermarkets.
Are they safe to use?
Yes, they are. We encourage their use as recommended by medical professionals and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are they flammable?
Not in isolation. If you put a match to a sample of emollient skin product it would not ignite.
So, why should I be concerned?
Regular use of these products, which may or may not contain paraffin, over a number of days, can lead to them soaking into your clothing, bedding and bandages/dressings. This residue then dries within the fabric. If you then introduce an ignition or heat source such as:
Accidentally dropping a cigarette, lighted match or lighter
Sitting too near to a gas, halogen or open fire
Catching your clothing on a hob when cooking you can cause a fire to develop, burn intensely and spread rapidly.
This could lead to a serious injury or death. Nationally, there have been at least 56 deaths associated with emollient skin products within the last 10 years.
What can I do to make sure I’m safe?
Never smoke in bed
Do not smoke if there is any chance your clothing or dressings could be contaminated with these products
Do not cook with gas or electric hobs, if there is any chance your clothing or dressings could be contaminated with these products
Do not sit too close to any open fires, gas fires or halogen heaters
Wash your clothing and bedding daily at the highest temperature recommended by the fabric care instructions. This should reduce some of the contamination but will not remove it completely and so washing fabrics does not completely remove the fire risk.
What can I do to make sure my friends and family are safe?
Share this information with them so that they are also aware of the potential risks
