Farting, also known as flatulence, is a normal and necessary bodily function. We all pass gas from time to time, and while it can be embarrassing in social situations, farting serves an important purpose – it allows us to expel intestinal gas that could otherwise cause discomfort.
One question that often comes up regarding farting is – can farts be ignited? Are human farts flammable? The idea of lighting farts on fire amuses some and alarms others. This article will examine the science and facts around flammable farts.
What causes farting?
Farts are made up primarily of gases produced during the digestive process. As food moves through our intestines, nutrients are absorbed and waste products are released as gas. The main components of this intestinal gas include:
– Nitrogen – Makes up around 59% of fart gas. Nitrogen is not flammable.
– Hydrogen – Accounts for around 31% of fart gas. Hydrogen is flammable.
– Carbon dioxide – Around 10% of fart gas. Not flammable.
– Oxygen – Around 0.5% of fart gas. Not flammable on its own but supports combustion.
– Methane – Less than 1% of fart gas but highly flammable.
Along with these gases, small amounts of hydrogen sulfide (which has a rotten egg odor) and indole and skatole (which smell like feces) are also present in farts. These latter compounds contain sulfur and give farts their characteristic bad smell.
The exact gas composition varies from person to person and depends on factors like diet. People who eat more plant fiber tend to produce more hydrogen and methane.
What determines if a fart is flammable?
For a fart to ignite, it must contain a good balance of flammable gases – namely methane and hydrogen – as well as oxygen to help fuel combustion.
Having the right gas mixture is one key factor. Concentrations of flammable gases that are too low will not light. But concentrations that are too high can also make farts difficult to ignite.
Another important factor is the source of ignition. Open flames, sparks, or red-hot objects can provide enough heat to ignite flammable farts. Matches, lighters, or striker sparks are often used to try lighting farts. Static electrical sparks can also sometimes ignite them.
Environmental conditions like humidity and wind can also affect flammability. Dry conditions allow farts to burn more easily. Windy conditions make them harder to light.
Can human farts be lit on fire?
The short answer is yes, human farts can sometimes be lit on fire. However, certain conditions must be met:
– The fart must contain a sufficient balance of flammable gases – methane, hydrogen, and oxygen.
– An ignition source must be provided – match, lighter, sparks, etc.
– Humidity should be low and wind minimal.
Many people have reported successfully lighting their farts, though exaggerated claims of large flames are common. Typically, only small bursts of flame or brief trails of fire are produced.
Still, there are dangers to playing with fire. Flaming farts can burn skin around the anus or scorch body hair. Causing unintended fires is also a risk.
Fart flammability factors
As mentioned earlier, diet influences the gases released in farts. Here are some dietary factors that can increase fart flammability:
– Meat – Eating large amounts of high-protein meats like beef can increase hydrogen and methane production in the colon.
– Dairy – Milk products contain lactose sugar that may boost hydrogen levels when not fully digested.
– Starches – Starchy foods like potatoes, wheat, and corn can often cause excess hydrogen and methane gas.
– Soda – Swallowing air when drinking carbonated sodas introduces more oxygen into fart gas.
– Cellulose – Plant fiber from fruits, veggies, beans, etc is broken down into hydrogen and methane.
– Artificial sweeteners – Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol found in diet foods can increase fart gas volume.
In contrast, some dietary changes may decrease fart flammability:
– Eating more plant foods like fruits and vegetables
– Avoiding fatty red meats
– Cutting back on sugary and starchy foods
– Reducing dairy products
– Minimizing soda consumption
Maintaining good digestion through probiotic foods or supplements can also help minimize excess flammable gases.
Should you try to light a fart?
Purposefully attempting to ignite one’s own fart gas is generally not recommended. Though sometimes possible, there are risks involved:
– Burns – Flames near the anus can cause burns to the surrounding skin.
– Accidental fires – Things like clothing, curtains, or furniture could catch fire if flames spread.
– Explosions – Build up of excess methane in the digestive tract could potentially cause explosions.
– Smoke inhalation – Breathing in gaseous combustion products can irritate lungs.
– Reputation – Being known as the person who lights farts could cause embarrassment.
For these reasons, it’s wise to refrain from trying to light farts on fire. Leave flame-throwing antics to professionals who use methane gas intentionally produced for entertainment purposes.
Fart lighting tricks and techniques
While reckless fart ignition is not encouraged, some adventurous souls still wish to experiment. If attempting to light a fart, here are some tips to slightly reduce risks:
– Use a long match or lighter reach to avoid burns.
– Try outdoors to avoid accidental fires indoors.
– Light soon after farting before gases disperse.
– Lay down to fart upward to keep flames off skin.
– Spread butt cheeks to make the methane concentration more dilute.
– Trim or shave body hair around anus to prevent singeing.
– Wear fireproof, flame-retardant clothing just in case.
– Have an extinguisher handy to immediately put out stray flames.
– Practice safe techniques until achieving desired results.
Again, these measures only reduce risks and do not eliminate them. The wise choice is to avoid lighting farts altogether.
Famous cases of flaming farts
Though uncommon, there have been some famous alleged cases of flammable flatulence over the years:
– In 2003, a man in France was admitted to the hospital after reportedly suffering burns trying to ignite his own gas. This helped popularize fart-lighting stunts.
– In 2015, a man in Zimbabwe claimed his fart ignited after he drank too much whiskey, resulting in his home burning down.
– In 2019, a woman playing with fire at a bar in Maryland suffered burns when she accidentally lit her panties on fire while farting.
– A popular YouTube prankster known as Steezy Grossman has become known for his flaming fart videos, which may involve special effects.
While stories like these gain attention, true cases of harmful flaming farts remain rare, though the practice still poses risks. Caution should be exercised.
Conclusion
To summarize, yes – human farts can be flammable under the right conditions. This is due to methane, hydrogen and oxygen gases produced in the colon during digestion. Factors like diet, ignition sources, and environment determine if passing gas can be lit on fire.
While possible, purposefully igniting fart gas is risky and inadvisable. Those who insist should take precautions. But the wisest choice is to avoid playing with fire when it comes to flaming farts.