JACKSONVILLE, FL. (First Coast News) -- Many parents admit to knowing little about the fire risks some Halloween costumes pose.
Firefighters say certain costumes are as quick-burning as newspaper.
4-year-old Joseph loved his Halloween costume so much, he used to sleep in it.
In August of last year, Joseph was wearing the costume for play when his mother says her son picked up a lighter and accidentally set the costume on fire.
Two minutes later, 40-percent of the child's body had burned.
With a law-suit filed against Wal-Mart and Disguise, the costume manufacturer, those involved in the case want consumers to know about the dangers some costumes pose.
The only children's wear that is protected with U.S. flammability safety regulations and standards is sleepwear.
Though many children, like Joseph, will wear costumes all hours of day and night, costumes do not fall under those regulations.
Of the children's costumes First Coast News examined on the shelves at one Southside store, some of the labels cautioned against wearing the costume to sleep, while others included a warning to keep the costume away from fire.
Only one costume First Coast News found was made of flame-retardant material.
Authorities say polyester burns at a very high temperature (1,200 degrees) and can actually melt to the skin, causing severe burns.
According to experts in the fabrics industry, most of the cheaper polyester Halloween costumes sold in stores are imported from China, where the cost to import costumes made of flame-retardant fabric is three cents higher than the cost to import flammable items.
Firefighters say it's important for parents to check the labels, and know what materials their children are wearing out on Halloween night.
They also advise keeping candles in pumpkins or other decorations away from flammable materials.
Thursday morning, two Jacksonville firefighters demonstrated how the flame from a household lighter can cause a polyester costume to go up in fire in as few as fifteen seconds.
Their experiment showed how cotton clothing worn beneath the costume can quicken the burn.
Authorities say unless a costume specifically states that it is "flame-retardant" on the package, it may well pose the risk of fire and burning to anyone wearing it.
If the package says "keep away from flame" or offers no warning or guarantee, it should be assumed that the costume's material is flammable.
In your voice
