Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Michele Benn on 12/05/2009 12:30:02

Title: Does spontaneous human combustion exist?
Post by: Michele Benn on 12/05/2009 12:30:02

Michele Benn  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Is there such a thing as spontaneous human combustion??

What do you think?

Title: Does spontaneous human combustion exist?
Post by: Bored chemist on 12/05/2009 20:54:44

NO. Humans are too wet to spontaneously combust.
oily rags can catch fire this way and humans, particularly if they have been dead for a while, can burn but those are different things

Title: Does spontaneous human combustion exist?
Post by: lyner on 13/05/2009 17:33:38

Not even when they're incandescent with rage?  [:(!]

Title: Does spontaneous human combustion exist?
Post by: Don_1 on 13/05/2009 18:21:00

Stories of human spontaneous combustion are misleading to say the least. They will usually ignore the fact that there probably was some form of ignition, such as a ciggy end or match dropped when not extinguished. What's more, it will usually involve a tramp or someone else who is a tad lacking in the personal hygiene department. It is not the body which bursts into flames, but the clothes they are wearing.

Quote from: sophiecentaur on 13/05/2009 17:33:38

Not even when they're incandescent with rage?  [:(!]

Maybe if they are fuming!


Do you mind if I smoke? (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F3%2F32%2FZwei_zigaretten.jpg%2F250px-Zwei_zigaretten.jpg&hash=995af33325f785da416344dc0ba7e4b6) You can burst into flames for all I care! (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-merv%2Fgroucho.gif&hash=5126b4a78d4869165ccf8a02e92fa2f1) (http://www.freesmileys.org)