Safety alert: Emollient cream build-up in fabric can lead to fire deaths
Written by AlisonFreemantle on Wednesday 2nd August 2023
People who use emollients, creams and ointments are being warned that they can build up on fabrics, such as clothing or bedding, which can cause them to catch fire more easily
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends labelling and product information for these emollient products should include a warning about the fire hazard, with clear advice not to smoke or go near naked flames and information about the risk of severe burn injury or death when clothing, bedding and dressings with emollients dried on them are accidentally ignited.
For more information please read the following MHRA public health bulletin:
A leaflet highlighting this risk have been previously shared, however incidents are still happening. The leaflet is intended for use by the pharmacy to explain this danger to patients. The leaflet is available to view / print below