Reporting of fire deaths or serious incidents in the UK where emollients are recorded to be a contributing factor

The UK Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recorded 53 deaths between 2010 and 2018 in fires where the involvement of emollient contaminated fabrics was reported. However, such incidents are widely accepted to be underreported, with problems in awareness and understanding of the increased fire risk resulting from emollient contamination. Therefore, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request was used to evaluate reporting by UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRS). 47 out of 52 responded, with 23 having no fire deaths or serious incidents where the use of emollients was documented. From 2015 to 2022, 78 deaths and 6 serious incidents were detailed in 24 responses, this was double per year than recorded previously. This may indicate improvements in awareness and therefore reporting of emollient use between 2018 and 2022. Comparison with government fire statistics indicate the possibility of 22 % of fire deaths in GB involving clothing/textile containing emollient residue as the item first ignited. Results indicate a major problem with documenting such incidents with only 3 of the 84 entered on the UK MHRA yellow card scheme. The results highlight the serious fire risk associated with emollients and the need for improved prevention advice and awareness.