FDA Warns OTC Wart Removers May Catch Fire
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning that some at home, over-the-counter (OTC) wart removers may be flammable.
The products remove the warts cryogenically – meaning the warts are ‘frozen’ off. But several of these products have caught fire, causing injuries to the consumers using the product and also causing damage to property. The FDA says that since 2009, it has received 14 complaints of the wart remover catching fire. These products contain propane and dimethyl ether gases, both highly flammable gases. The products’ labels warn consumers not to use the products near an open flame or cigarettes. And although three of the complaints the FDA received did have a candle in the vicinity of the remover, the other 11 complaints of fire were unable to identify what the source of ignition was. However, a spokesperson for the FDA says that many people do not realize that household items such as curling irons and hair straighteners, can actually throw off enough heat to cause a fire. Ten people who filed complaints reported injuries of blisters, skin burns, and redness and singed hair. The brand names this product is sold under are Compound W, Dr. Scholl’s and Wartner. It is also marketed under many generic store brands. Instructions for use include taking the nozzle of the pressurized dispenser and pressing it, releasing the product onto an applicator.
The incidents that have been reported have occurred while the mixture is being put on the applicator and the dispenser catches on fire.
The FDA says that these types of incidents are generally unreported and are concerned there may be more injuries that have occurred from wart remover fires. They suggest that consumers look into alternative methods of wart removal, including having the procedure done by a physician. If you are going to use an at-home remedy, the agency suggests using products which offer topical applications instead of the cryogenic ones.
If you have been injured using a defective product, contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury attorney today to find out what compensation you may be entitled to for pain and loss.
