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A coroner in Sheffield has raised concerns about a lack of public awareness regarding the fire risks of emollient creams after an 89-year-old grandfather, James Rownsley, died in a house fire.
The inquest heard that Mr.
Rownsley died at his home after his clothing, which had absorbed flammable emollient cream residue, caught fire on a gas heater.
The residue, which cannot be removed by washing, was responsible for the fire's intensity.
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy has since written to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to highlight the need for better communication about the risks to both health professionals and the public.
She noted that the risk seems to be heightened for elderly people or those on lower incomes who use open flames to heat their homes.
A fire investigator told the inquest that the fire risks of these creams are not 'fully appreciated by partners such as medical health professionals'.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's Chris Tyler stated that while emollients themselves are not flammable, the residue they leave on fabrics can make them 'even more flammable'.
The NFCC has until October 8 to respond to the coroner's report.
The family of Mr.
Rownsley said they have been trying to educate the public about the dangers, which they believe many people are unaware of.
The article concludes by highlighting the need for more clear and accessible safety information to prevent future tragedies.