Just as we wistfully leave summer behind for another year comes the announcement that Banana Boat (BB) sunscreen can actually lead you to spontaneously combust. For real.
The spray-on sunscreen has been recalled in both Canada and the U.S. after reports of people literally catching on fire after "coming into contact with an open flame."
According to an article in MSN, five cases were reported, four of which resulted in burns (one occurring in Canada).
Banana Boat has pulled the plug on two of its products—BB Ultra Defense SPF 60 Spray Sunscreen and BB Sport Performance SPF 60 Spray Sunscreen—manufactured from January 2010 through September 20, 2012. Additional products were included in the U.S. recall: UltraMist Sport, UltraMist Ultra Defence and UltraMist Kids. The 'mist' line has apparently sold more than 20 million units since its launch in 2010.
The hazard, according to Energizer spokesperson, occurs when too much spray has been applied or has come into contact with a "source of ignition" before the spray has completely dried.
More information about the voluntary recall is available from manufacturer, Energizer Holdings, at 1-800-SAFESUN.
Of course the label warns consumers to "Keep away from sources of ignition — no smoking." Ditto for many aerosol products, from hairspray to deodorant. But really, who reads cosmetic labels beyond its ingredient list? Personally I'm not a fan of the spray-on lotions, since they tend to feel quite sticky on the skin.
Do you use aerosol sunscreens over traditional lotion-based creams? Will you continue to do so?
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