Sunscreens help keep you from getting burned- right? Yes if you’re talking sunburn. But certain types of sunscreens have a hidden danger and can actually enable you to catch on fire if you get near a flame. Spray sunscreens contain alcohol and other flammable ingredients. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 5 cases of people being burned after their spray sunscreen caught on fire. In these cases, the people had used Banana Boat sunscreen sprays, which were subsequently recalled. One person was burned after lighting a cigarette, another standing near a citronella candle, and a third when he went to tend his barbeque grill. However, other sunscreen sprays also contain flammable ingredients.
The FDA cautioned Wednesday that people should never apply sunscreen sprays near an open flame like a barbeque grill or a candle and should avoid being near an open flame, spark, or ignition source after spraying on a flammable sunscreen, even if your skin feels dry.
It is important to wear sunscreen. Just consider what type is appropriate for your lifestyle.
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