A fire department has issued a warning about hand sanitiser, telling drivers that the alcohol-based products can burn through the body of a vehicle if left in sunlight during hot weather.
The Western Lakes Fire District in Wisconsin, United States, shared a photo on Facebook showing a burned-out car door, explaining how hand-sanitiser tends to be 'alcohol-based' and is therefore highly flammable.
Advert
The post read: "Let's start today with a little education!
"We've chatted in the past about clear water bottles being kept in your vehicle when the weather is warm.
"That still holds true and so does hand sanitiser! By its nature, most hand sanitiser is alcohol-based and therefore flammable.
"Keeping it in your car during hot weather, exposing it to sun causing magnification of light through the bottle - and particularly being next to open flame while smoking in vehicles or grilling while enjoying this weekend - can lead to disaster.
Advert
"Please respect the possibilities and be fire safe."
In the comments section, WLFD said the same vigilance was needed with other liquids, writing: "Clear water bottles have been known to focus light to the point that they boil the water and explode.
"It's also possible when other substances are heated to extreme temperatures.
"This is more common in the summer months for us as the sun is high and interior temperatures are significantly higher."
Advert
Of course, hand sanitiser has been one of the most sought-after products this year, with officials in many countries urging people to keep their hands clean to stop the spread of coronavirus.
This prompted something of a shortage, prompting businesses that wouldn't usually manufacture hand sanitiser to branch out into the unexpected product, from breweries through to gin distilleries.
Even fashion brand Louis Vuitton got involved, announcing it would be using its perfume production lines to make hand sanitiser to help cope with demand in France.
Advert
In a statement, LVHM - the owner of Louis Vuitton - said: "Given the risk of a shortage of hydro-alcoholic gel in France, Bernard Arnault has instructed the LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics business to prepare its production sites to manufacture substantial quantities of hydro-alcoholic gel to be provided to public authorities.
"Through this initiative, LVMH intends to help address the risk of a lack of product in France and enable a greater number of people to continue to take the right action to protect themselves against the spread of the virus."
The statement continued: "LVMH will continue to honour this commitment for as long as necessary, in connection with the French health authorities."
Advert
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: World News, News, US News