Sunscreen Spray Could Pose Burn Risk Near Open Flame

Are you an aficionado of sunscreen spray? Here's an important warning for you.

The Food and Drug Administration released a notice this month about burn risks that could come from standing too close to flames after putting on sunscreen spray. The warning comes after the agency learned of five separate cases where this exact scenario occurred.

"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," according to the FDA notice. "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 noted that the products behind these incidents have since been recalled (you can find a list of them here) but that alcohol-containing spray sunscreens (and even some non-spray sunscreens) could still be flammable because of their ingredients, such as alcohol.

It's important not to apply sunscreen spray while near an open flame, the FDA warned, though the five incidents involved standing near an open flame after the sunscreen had already been sprayed on the skin. Plus, keep note of any possible flammability risks if you know that you will be near an open flame, the FDA said.