Sunscreen Recalled ... Because People Catch on Fire

The maker of Banana Boat sunscreen is recalling a half-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, based in St. Louis, said it is pulling 23 varieties of UltraMist sunscreen off store shelves. The recall includes aerosol products like UltraMist Sport, UltraMist Ultra Defense, and UltraMist Kids. (The full list is here, along with contact information for the company.)

A company spokesman said there have been five reports of people suffering burns after using the sunscreen in the last year. Four were in the US and one in Canada. 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, which raises 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. Consumers can file reports to the FDA here. (More Banana Boat stories.)