Watch Your Sleeves review of Massachusetts General Hospital's burn unit admissions revealed that older women may be at greater risk for being burned while cooking in house-coats. Almost half of the women died. Most were simply heating water for tea when their sleeves passed over the stove burner and caught fire. Choose garments that can be easily removed should they ignite. Buttons, for example, are difficult to undo in a hurry.
Polyester ignites easily and burns quickly.
Use the front burner to lessen the chances of reaching over a burner that may be on. Use an electric stove rather than gas, or invest in a quick boil electric kettle. If clothing does catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Pat out the fire as calmly as you can and seek medical treatment immediately. Environmental Nutrition, February 1998.