Spontaneous Human Combustion - Fact or Fiction?

[JRussell]

I've always thought of Spontaneous Human Combustion as more of an "urban legend". That was until I recently watched a show about it on the History Channel (it airs again around May 5th). This show has some pretty convincing evidence that SHC might actually exist. One of the main points they talk about is the fact that many of these people can burn to the ground (bones and all), yet newspaper and clothing 2 feet away remains completely untouched.

Here's a link to a website with some of the history and theories behind SHC: Link (there is one old B&W pic at the top which may be NSFW, although it's hard to even make it out)

What are your thoughts on SHC? Does it exist? If so, what do you think is the most likely cause?

[asdf11]

I believe some scientists claimed that the wick(?) effect works in a similar fashion. If the person who burns is wearing some type of clothing the flames will burn along their skin at a very high temperature but won't move outwards to burn other things around the victim.

I mean seriously, how do you begin to burn from inside out?

[krazyace5]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe some scientists claimed that the wick(?) effect works in a similar fashion. If the person who burns is wearing some type of clothing the flames will burn along their skin at a very high temperature but won't move outwards to burn other things around the victim.


[/ QUOTE ]

I saw a special on it and this is basically what they said happens. They also debunked supposed known cases.

So I say BS.

[nath]

I have no idea, but I've seen stranger [censored] in my lifetime.

[Kwaz]

It does not exist.

It is caused by the "wick effect" as someone has pointed out already.

In very basic terms, human fat is the wax and the clothes are the wick.

[JRussell]

[ QUOTE ]
It does not exist.

It is caused by the "wick effect" as someone has pointed out already.

In very basic terms, human fat is the wax and the clothes are the wick.

[/ QUOTE ]

The "Wick Effect" is probably the most likely answer, but how does one catch on fire and burn to the ground without trying to get up and move around? Most of these people are found right where their chairs used to be and most people that catch on fire run around in a total panic.

[Senor Cardgage]

We need to get Mythbusters on this.

[ilya]

Come on man, everyone knows that it's the mitochondria taking over.

[Blarg]

If it isn't true, I wish it was.

[Anacardo]

[ QUOTE ]
Come on man, everyone knows that it's the mitochondria taking over.

[/ QUOTE ]

[censored] that game. No save point between the last boss and ridicu-tarded maze? THX A-HOLES.