Sunscreen Safety: Some Products May Contain Flammable Ingredients

Whenever you're slathering on sunscreen before a trip to the beach or a BBQ, make sure to think twice about what's on the label of the product. New information provided by the Food and Drug Administration shows that certain types of sun wear may actually be flammable.

According to the FDA, they were notified of five separate incidents in which those wearing certain types of sunscreen spray suffered significant burn damage when near a source. The burns were so extensive that they actually required medical treatment. The sunsprays that the people were wearing were these specific types made by Banana Boat and were voluntarily recalled from the market.

"In the five incidents reported to FDA, the burns occurred after the sunscreen spray had been applied. The ignition sources were varied and involved lighting a cigarette, standing too close to a lit citronella candle, approaching a grill, and in one case, doing some welding. 

These incidents suggest that there is a possibility of catching fire if you are near an open flame or a spark after spraying on a flammable sunscreen-even if you believe you have waited a sufficient time for the sunscreen to dry and your skin feels dry," the FDA said, according to a statement. 

If you notice any sunscreens at your home that contain ingredients similar to alcohol, make sure to throw them away and discontinue use.

"Based on this information, we recommend that after you have applied a sunscreen spray labeled as flammable, you consider avoiding being near an open flame, sparks or an ignition source," says Narayan Nair, M.D., a lead medical officer at FDA, via Patch.