Fire deaths linked to skin creams

USING everyday skin creams in the home has been linked to dozens of firerelated deaths.

Popular products such as E45, used for eczema or dry skin, contain high levels of paraffin, which can soak into clothes or bedding.

Many people are unaware of the highly flammable ingredient in these creams and the medicines watchdog is now urging manufacturers to provide warnings on all products. Currently they are only required on those containing 50 per cent paraffin.

At least 3 deaths in England have been associated with the emollients since 2010, a BBC Radio 5 investigation found. In 2015, Christopher Holyoake, 63, died after his bedclothes – covered in E45 residue – caught fire as he lit a cigarette in his Leicester home.

The same year Cetraben cream was found to have featured in the death of John Hill, 84, whose clothing ignited at a West Sussex nursing home. After coroners raised concerns, E45 will display warnings from April, while Cetraben agreed to review safety information.