Inflammable Frames for Spectacles

Abstract

To the Editor:— Recently, while I was attempting to place a new lens in an Italian frame held over an infrared lamp, the frame exploded and burned exactly as if gasoline had been poured on it. Since then I have run tests on frames imported from Germany, Italy, Mexico, and France and have found that the overwhelming majority of these frames are made with a nitrate plastic which is highly inflammable. This is a potentially dangerous situation for people who wear glasses and particularly those who smoke. A misplaced lighter flame or cigarette could set the frame on fire. Manufacture of frames of nitrate plastic was discontinued in this country more than ten years ago, for the very reason that it was potentially quite dangerous. During the past ten years, the only plastic frames manufactured in this country have been of the acetate plastic variety, and provide no physical risks.