7 months ago
MONTGOMERY CO. Md., (WUSA) -- Most of us have to squint to read it. But, it's there. A warning about disposable undergarments.
"I don't think that the general consumer thinks about that aspect," says Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer Peter Piringer.
These images reinforce a warning about how quickly you could suffer from serious burns, if you come near a heat source.
"Elderly people can be burned by cooking and smoking materials, and when it comes to contact with your clothing, it can easily spread to your undergarments," says Montgomery County Firefighter Donny Boyd.
He took three brands of the disposable underwear, exposed them to flames, and in just under a minute all of them literally melted away.
"They're a petroleum based product. It's going to drip and make contact with several parts of the body [and] actually extending the burn.
They burn fast, but the Food and Drug Administration classifies these as "devices" with the lowest potential for harm. While the manufacturers have a responsibility to put out a safe product, the FDA tells us "we do not require them to submit an application detailing safety or efficacy."
We wanted to know about children's diapers too. The two brands we burned had aloe or lotion inside. Something, firefighter Boyd thinks may have kept the fire from spreading.
It's nothing like we saw with the adult undergarments.
"Being a father myself, it does give comfort to me know that the product is a little bit safer," Donny Boyd says.
Safety is key whether you wear these undergarments or you put them on your children.
We contacted Depends, Tena Serenity and CVS to ask about their products.
Only CVS responded. They told us their undergarments do meet the requirements for flammability.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is working to educate senior citizens about fire safety.
They say try not to smoke if you are wearing these garments under your clothes.
Put some distance between you and other heat sources.
Be sure to dispose of anything used with fire, properly.
Every house should have at least one working smoke alarm. It's inexpensive protection for you and your family.
Prevent electrical fires by not overloading circuits or extension cords.
Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark, or emit an unusual smell.
Have your appliances professionally repaired or replaced.
Use appliances wisely, follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are warning signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired.
Unplug appliances when not in use.
Use safety caps to cover unused outlets.
Alternate heaters. Portable heaters need their space, keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread.
When affordable home fire safety sprinklers are used with working fire alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased.
Plan your escape, and practice your escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out and call for help.
Public Information Officer Peter Piringer says, "Every year, many senior citizens die in fires. In the last few years, a disproportionate number of senior age residents, 65 and older, have died in fires. Many of these fire deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially potentially unsafe because many live alone and can't respond quickly."
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