The flammability of synthetic finger nails has been examined using a Bunsen burner and a birthday candle as ignition sources. The samples exhibited short ignition times (approximately 1 second) and burned to completion. Owing to the molten nature of the polymer while ignited and the ease with which ignition occurs, synthetic nails should be considered a fire hazard and students warned of their dangers.
More Information
Citation
Vanover, William G.; Woods, Jason L.; Allin, Shawn B. J. Chem. Educ.1999 76 1521.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.