The New Zealand medical journal
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Since 1980, legislation has regulated the ignition characteristics of commercially manufacturered children's nightwear to reduce risk of burns. Between 1971 and 1984, there were 699 hospital discharges of children treated for clothing ignition burns. This evaluation analysed discharge summaries of 493 children, surveyed children's nightwear in 101 retail shops, surveyed 476 Plunket parents regarding home-sewing practices and 28 fabric retailers for fibre content labelling. ⋯ High-fire risk fabrics were recommended by sales assistants and used by home-sewers. The relative involvement of manufactured and home-sewn nightwear in burns should be determined. Children's nightwear and fabrics should bear fibre content labels.