So my mother just came home from the hospital.  She had pneumonia.  Her lungs are permanently damaged and so she is on oxygen, you know when you have those tiny tubes at your nose and an oxygen tank to cart around.

What is odd is that I have started a presentation on petrolatum and it's possible harmful effects.
I was surprised to learn something new.  When the technicians delivered the oxygen tanks to my mothers' home, they said not to let her use vaseline (petroleum jelly) on her nose or lips.  When vaseline evaporates it lets off a gas that when combined with static electricity from the phone ringing or a spark from an outlet, or static electricity from rubbing on the sheets etc., could cause a flash fire when it comes in contact with the oxygen.  Who would have thought that.

So, I learned something new about harmful ingredients. And we will make sure there is no petroleum jelly, petrolatum or any other variation of it around her home.  And we won't use it on ourselves either.

Glad to have mom home.