What is a common myth regarding human combustion?

The belief that humans can spontaneously combust is a common myth rooted in sensationalist stories and anecdotal evidence rather than scientific fact. Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) refers to the idea that a human body could catch fire without an external ignition source, which has been widely debated and largely debunked in forensic science.

In reality, human bodies require an external ignition source, such as flames or significant heat, to ignite. The absence of a known mechanism for spontaneous ignition in human bodies, combined with the understanding of combustion principles, supports the conclusion that SHC is not a scientifically valid concept. Factors like high body fat content and the presence of flammable materials can contribute to severe burns in tragic cases, but these scenarios always involve an external source of ignition.

In contrast, humans are composed largely of water, making it difficult to sustain combustion without proper conditions met, such as sufficient temperature and oxygen. Thus, the myth of spontaneous combustion is inconsistent with established principles of chemistry and fire science. This clarity around combustion and the conditions required helps debunk the myth effectively.