Ask Marilyn
While oxygen is not flammable in itself, it supports flame. It can cause materials that burn to ignite more easily and burn much faster. It can make flames bigger, brighter and even cause an explosion of flame, depending on the material and circumstances.
BY MARILYN VOS SAVANT
My grandmother uses nasal oxygen for her pulmonary disease after a COVID infection. We’ve all been told to
be extremely careful to avoid any kind of flame when we
visit her. For example, I found out that I couldn’t light the candles on her birthday cake. But as I know that oxygen is not flammable, why is this the case?
—Emily Baldwin, Overland Park, Kansas
While oxygen is not flammable in itself, it supports flame. It can cause materials that burn to ignite more easily and burn much faster. It can make flames bigger, brighter and even cause an explosion of flame, depending on the material and circumstances. Something as simple as a spark can trigger a flame when extra oxygen and combustible material (substances that will burn, such as paper or cloth) are at hand.
Also, one should never use flammable products (for example, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays) near oxygen equipment. Even static electricity in the presence of added oxygen can cause a sudden burst of flame, and some substances (grease, oil, etc.) may even react violently.
People who use oxygen should avoid wool, nylon and most synthetic materials around the house in order to curb static electricity, so that’s something else you should keep in mind when you visit.
ASK MARILYN
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2023-06-04T07:00:00.0000000Z
2023-06-04T07:00:00.0000000Z
https://sltrib.pressreader.com/article/282651806876644
The Salt Lake Tribune