Buzz
Many aerosol products, such as sunscreen and insect repellent, are highly flammable. This warning is usually printed in small text on the label, something most people likely ignore while applying sunscreen near a grill or tiki torch.
Sunscreen sprays often contain alcohol or similar volatile compounds to help disperse the product from the can onto your skin. When applied, it forms a thick, glossy layer, indicating you’ve used the right amount.
However, the wet layer remains flammable until it dries. The spray can also ignite while airborne. Additionally, aerosol cans are prone to exploding if exposed to high heat, so it’s crucial to keep your sunscreen away from open flames like campfires.
Several years back, a man suffered burns from his grill right after using sunscreen, prompting a news team to collaborate with a firefighter to set a mannequin arm on fire for a demonstration.
It’s important to note that only the wet sunscreen spray is flammable. Once it dries on your skin, the risk appears to diminish significantly. In the grill incident, a malfunctioning spray nozzle likely released an excessive amount of product, preventing it from drying within a reasonable timeframe.
This summer, when using spray sunscreen, ensure you stay clear of open flames during application and allow the spray to dry fully before approaching any heat source like a grill.
