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Five burns cases have been reported so far. Photo: AP

Banana Boat sunscreen recalled after reports of users catching on fire

The US maker of Banana Boat sunscreen is recalling half a million bottles of spray-on lotion after reports that a handful of people have caught on fire after applying the product and coming in contact with open flames.

Energizer Holdings said that it is pulling 23 varieties of UltraMist sunscreen off store shelves due to the risk of the lotion igniting when exposed to fire.

The recall includes aerosol products like UltraMist Sport, UltraMist Ultra Defence and UltraMist Kids.

A company spokesman said there have been five reports of people suffering burns after using the sunscreen in the last year. Four cases were reported in the US and one in Canada.

More than 20 million units have been sold since UltraMist launched in 2010.

The problem appears to be caused by UltraMist's spray valve, which is over-applying the product, Energizer said. As a result the lotion is taking longer to dry, raising the flammability risk.

"If a consumer comes into contact with a flame or spark prior to complete drying of the product on the skin, there is a potential for the product to ignite," the company said.

UltraMist's label warns users: "Keep away from sources of ignition - no smoking."

But dermatologists say most people don't read such labels.

Dan Dillard, executive director of the Burn Prevention Network, said the group was contacted this year about two burns related to spray-on sunscreen. One case involved a man who was standing near a barbecue grill, and the other involved a woman working with welding equipment. Both cases resulted in second- and third-degree burns.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Sunscreen lotion can set users on fire, firm says
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