"Axe Bomb" Trend Linked to Arson Arrests, Injuries

"Axe Body Spray: It's Not Just an Alternative to Taking a Shower Anymore"

For anyone who has been exposed to fumigation-level amounts of "Axe Body Spray" and wondered how the product can be used for good instead of evil, keep crossing your fingers. But a growing trend among teens exposes a non-traditional (albeit slightly more lethal) use of the popular spray-on deodorant.

Meet the "Axe Bomb", a homemade pyrotechnic invention that uses cans of Axe, lighter fluid, and other combustible material to create a flamethrower or home-made pyrotechnics display.

According to ABC News, "Fire departments across the country say they notice a trend in which teenage boys are using Axe body spray to start fires," and "Axe Bombs" have been linked to arson arrests and burn injuries.

Some injuries have even resulted from teen boys' applying Axe to their bodies and then intentionally igniting it, which will sound ironic to anyone who has seen the body spray on a shelf and thought "I'd rather set myself on fire than wear that."

The ABC News article on the "Axe Bomb" phenomenon tells the story of Cyrus, a 17-year-old high school student from San Diego who was placed on probation when an "Axe Bomb" fire he set got out of hand: "I'm 17 and I have a probation officer," he said while volunteering at a local burn center as part of his court-ordered punishment.

Meanwhile, wearing Axe in a Camaro with the windows up on a mid-August New Jersey evening remains perfectly legal.

• ABC News: Damage, Injuries as Teens Set Fires Using Popular Deodorant Axe Body Spray
• Crimes A to Z: Arson (FindLaw)
• Accident & Injury Center (FindLaw)