A car exploded into flames Thursday evening in Maryland when a driver used hand sanitizer while smoking a cigarette, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.
The fire started about 5:30 p.m. at the Federal Plaza Shopping Center in Rockville.
The driver used hand sanitizer while smoking a cigarette, which a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman said is a bad combination in an unventilated area like a car. It’s not really the liquid of the sanitizer that is catching fire, but the vapors, which is why it’s extremely important to apply it in a well-ventilated area.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue treated and transported one adult with minor burns and non-life threatening injuries.
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The car was a total loss.
Most hand sanitizers contain isopropyl alcohol, which is flammable and can cause burn injuries if used improperly.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America sent out a warning about the dangers of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and then touching metal surfaces before the liquid evaporates. Due to static electricity, the vapor from the hand sanitizer can ignite and cause severe burns.
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Here are four things to know about using hand sanitizers safely from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Allow the gel to dry before touching electrical tools and equipment;
Keep hand sanitizer away from open flames and high heat areas;
Avoid hand sanitizers that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration;
Check the FDA’s hand sanitizer do-not-use list to learn which alcohol-based products are safe.
