When the sunlight hits a glass or crystal ornament, the ornament can magnify and focus the light and heat from the sun and can burn an ornament near or underneath it, depending on the shape and position of the ornament. It might just leave a scorch mark, but it may also start a fire.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs recently had a call from a mother who was dealing with the aftermath of a scorched teddy bear. Understandably she was worried that it could have been a lot worse. Plastic and glass drink bottles left in cars can also create the same effect.

Most glass articles should be okay. But you need to watch out for anything that works like a prism or lens to intensify the sunlight. Examples of those ornaments are crystals, glasses, water bottles, magnifying glasses, reading glasses, magnifying mirrors and types of paperweights.

And the problem can be avoided very easily. Don’t leave those ornaments in direct sunlight. And not just the sunlight where it is at the moment but where it might be anytime of the day. You are most likely to have a problem when you are not there to see the sun hit the prism.

If you can’t be sure that the glass ornament will stay out of the sun, pop it in a draw.

For more tips on how to use products safely visit www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

Article from Ministry of Consumer Affairs

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