Sunscreen Leads MA Man to Catch on Fire

A Massachusetts man learned that sunscreen may protect against the sun but it can be extremely dangerous if combined with heat, when he was severely burned after applying a Banana Boat sunscreen while outdoor grilling.

Brett Sigworth claims that after applying Banana Boat’s Sport Performance spray-on sunscreen and walking towards his grill to cook, he suddenly caught on fire in the places he had applied the sunscreen, according to the New York Daily News.

The ordeal left him with second degree burns on his chest, back, and ears.

Dan Dillard, the CEO of the Burn Prevention Network, said that the incident was likely not caused by the sunscreen itself, but rather by droplets of the aerosol spray from the can that had not fully absorbed into the skin and lingered in the air. Dr. Darrell Rigel, a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University, added that most sunscreen sprays have flammable alcohol in them, according to The New York Times.

Sigworth says that he does not plan on pursing litigation, but wants the company to properly warn the public because the bottles currently do not address a fire hazard once the product is applied to the skin.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. Call us today at 800-581-6358.

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