Spontaneous Human Combustion: How & Why

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In summary, spontaneous human combustion is a phenomenon where a person's body catches fire without any apparent external source of ignition. It is a rare occurrence and there are various theories as to how and why it happens. In the novel "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens, a character's death by spontaneous human combustion is attributed to excessive gin consumption, but this may not be a factual account. Some people are skeptical about the existence of spontaneous human combustion and believe it to be a result of natural causes.
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EIRE2003
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Weird but real!??

What exactly is 'spontaneous human combustion'?? How and why does it happen? Is it very very rare?
 
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In Dickens' "Bleak House", it happened to Krook because he drank too much cheap gin. Not sure if that was a factual account. Nevertheless, I've been staying away from gin ever since I read that. You just can't be too careful. A little sip of Bombay Sapphire shouldn't hurt once in a while, though. They use only the finest botanicals. :biggrin:
 
  • #4
Check out the skeptecism & debunking section. There was a thread about it a while ago.
 

FAQ: Spontaneous Human Combustion: How & Why

1. What is spontaneous human combustion?

Spontaneous human combustion is a term used to describe cases where a human body suddenly catches fire without any apparent external ignition source.

2. Is spontaneous human combustion a real phenomenon?

The existence of spontaneous human combustion as a distinct phenomenon is still debated among scientists. While there have been reported cases, many experts believe that these incidents can be explained by other factors such as external heat sources or alcohol consumption.

3. What causes spontaneous human combustion?

The exact cause of spontaneous human combustion is not known. Some theories suggest that it could be due to a build-up of gases in the body, while others propose that it could be linked to certain medical conditions or external factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption.

4. Are there any warning signs or factors that could increase the likelihood of spontaneous human combustion?

There is no clear indication or warning sign that someone may experience spontaneous human combustion. However, some factors that have been associated with reported cases include obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

5. Can spontaneous human combustion be prevented?

Since the exact cause of spontaneous human combustion is not known, it is difficult to prevent. However, some experts suggest that avoiding risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption or smoking may reduce the likelihood of experiencing this phenomenon.

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