The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that U.S. fire departments respond to about 350,000 home structure fires annually. Cooking and heating appliances are responsible for many, but fire accidents often occur with combustion items spot-used without second thought. From beauty products to kitchen essentials, the list of unexpected hazards is much longer than you might expect. You might wonder, what are some other substances we see in our daily lives that will burn if lit with a flame? Knowing these items can help you take the necessary steps to reduce fire risks.
What Are Some Other Substances We See in Our Daily Lives That Will Burn If Lit with a Flame?
Let’s take a look at some everyday items that can catch fire easily and the significant hazards they pose towards your home. You will be surprised that a lot of seemingly harmless items can create a fire if required conditions intervene.
1. Beauty Products
Most personal care items are much more flammable than they appear. Many of them are contained in aerosol cans. Products like hair sprays, nail polish removers, and deodorants contain chemicals that are easily ignitable by flame or extreme heat. For example:
- Hairspray is alcohol-based and extremely flammable. Fumes can combust instantly around an open flame.
- Nail Polish Remover, rich in acetone, is another hazardous substance. Even its vapors can catch fire if you’re not careful.
Keep aerosols and flammable beauty items away from heat sources. Ensure they are stored in a cool, dry space, especially during hot weather.
Personal care items like hair spray, nail polish remover, and deodorant are highly flammable.
2. Powdered Foods and Spices
Right! Those things lying in your pantry can also go up in flames! Common powdered foods include flour, powdered sugar, coffee creamer, and certain spices that have high flammability. When suspended in air, these particles create a “dust explosion.”
Flour is often stirred near open flames when baking or cooking. This can lead to hazardous situations if the particles ignite.
Be mindful of using powdered foods near gas stoves or candles. Clean spills immediately to prevent accidental ignition.
3. Cooking Oils
Kitchen fires can often be caused by oils in general. The potential for combustion of the oil increases during the period of intense heating; that is, the oil is highly flammable. Flashpoint is a peculiar temperature at which the oil begins to produce vapors capable of igniting. Harmful indeed is a temperature obtained when oil is leaving unattended on the stove and its dangerous level of combustibility is attained.
What are some other substances we see in our daily lives that will burn if lit with a flame? Though oils are common, keep an eye on other kitchen flammables like butter or grease.
Be careful not to let oil overheat on the stove unattended in case grease ignites, NEVER douse it with water. Smother the fire with a lid or use the fire extinguisher instead.
4. Laundry and Cleaning Products
Did you know fabric softeners, stain removers, and laundry pods are flammable? Made from fatty acids and chemicals, these items can combust when mixed with heat or open flames. Cleaning products like alcohol-based sanitizers and solutions also have low flashpoints.
Hand sanitizers with high alcohol content can ignite even at room temperature.
Make sure that there is adequate ventilation and airflow during laundry and cleaning.
5. Snacks and Chips
While potato chips, popcorn, and other snacks seem innocent, their flammability is a result of high fat, sugar, and carb content. Because of this, if potato chips are near a flame, they will quickly burn. That is the reason that snacks are considered kindling in survival situations.
Store snack foods in sealed containers and avoid eating near fireplaces or candles.
6. Alcohol-Based Items
Rubbing alcohol, alcoholic beverages, and certain medicines fall within this fire hazard category. A tiny spill of rubbing alcohol can cause flames to spread rapidly across various surfaces. Other fire hazards are perfumes or colognes high in alcohol content.
Always use alcohol-based items in ventilated spaces away from any fire source.
Why Do These Everyday Items Burn Easily?
Understanding why these items are so flammable often boils down to three factors:
- Chemical Composition: Items containing alcohol, acetone, or oil burn quickly because they are highly volatile.
- Particle Size: Fine powdered substances ignite faster because their surface area increases flammability.
- High Volatility: Some substances evaporate into flammable fumes, which makes them even more dangerous around open flames.
To wrap up, what are some other substances we see in our daily lives that will burn if lit with a flame? The truth is, they’re all around us—from pantry staples to bathroom essentials. While these items are part of everyday life, understanding their risks is key to preventing accidents. By inspecting your home regularly, storing flammable materials safely, identifying fire-prone areas, equipping your home with emergency tools like smoke detectors, and educating your household, you can significantly reduce fire hazards. Remember, small proactive steps go a long way in ensuring your home stays safe and protected.
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