Now is the season to go out and have some fun in the sun. Not so fast. Be careful with that sunblock spray it can literally have you in the hot seat. There have been a number of incidents of people being engulfed in flames, due to wearing sunblock near open flames.

The Food and Drug Administration announced it is aware of at least five cases of these sunblock spray hazards. The products in these cases, Banana Boat Sunscreen Spray, have already been pulled from all store shelves. First of all, never go near any open flame when wearing or using flammable materials. It can be extremely dangerous.

You may think it has had time to dissipate or dry, but to be cautious, stay away from fire. Most flammable products will have a label on them warning the user not to go near open flames or ignition sources. There are a lot of products that contain flammable ingredients such as hairspray, insect spray, and maybe some rub on sunblock's. But if you wear any sunscreen labeled flammable, plan on not going around any flames or sparks.

However, it is very wise to wear a sunblock when you are going to be out in the sun to prevent skin cancer, cell damage, wrinkling or premature aging. So the best spray sunblock would be one with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher.

Other ways to reduce risk from overexposure is to limit the time you spend in the sun and try not be in it during the hottest part of the day. Try to cover your skin if you can to avoid direct sunlight, with clothing and hats or look for cover under a shady tree. If you plan on swimming or participating in water sports, ensure that the sunscreen you are using is water resistant.

The Food and Drug Administration has new rules this year for over-the-counter sunscreen labeling. The labeling must state if the product protects against both UVA and UVB sunrays; if it helps prevent premature aging and cancer; if it is water resistant or not and for how long it remains water resistant.

There are Senators pushing the FDA to go even further with regulation on spray sunscreens and sunscreens claiming SPF's of 50 and higher. As of now though products with SPF's of 15 or under must warn they do not prevent skin cancer. They believe the regulations are necessary to educate and protect consumers from skin cancer.

Here is an incredible cancer statistic. According to the American Cancer Society, over 2 million of the diagnosed cases of skin cancer each year could have been prevented with protection from overexposure to sun rays. So protect yourself and your family and use rub-on sunscreens and sunblock spray as directed.