Fart lighting 189586 226163816 2008-07-17T02:56:29Z Benjiboi 1292089 rv, well-intended but I believe that corresponds to the source cited and by removing it you also imply that ''only'' men take part {{Copyedit|date=February 2008}} [[Image:Nofart.svg|thumb]] '''Fart lighting''', (also called '''fart-burning''', '''blue dart''', '''blue flame''', '''blue angel''' and '''flatus ignition''') is the practice of setting fire to the gases produced by [[flatulence]] often producing a blue [[hue]]. Although there is little scientific discourse on the [[Combustion|combustive]] properties of flatus, there are many anecdotal accounts of flatus ignition, and the unique activity has increasingly found its way into popular culture with references in comic routines, movies, and television; including cartoons. __TOC__ ==Chemistry== The composition of flatus varies dramatically among individuals. Five different [[gases]] are major components. Flatulence produces a mixture of gases such as [[nitrogen]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[methane]], [[hydrogen]], [[oxygen]], and [[hydrogen sulfide]].<ref>Van Ness, M. M. and Cattau, E. L. (1985) Am. Fam. Practioner, 31;198-208.</ref> The gas methane combusts, forming water and carbon dioxide ([[Heat of combustion|ΔH<sub>c</sub>]] = -891 kJ/mol),<ref>[http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals/6001/6744.html Methane<!-- CRAP Bot generated title -->]</ref> as: :{{chem|CH|4}}(g) + 2{{chem|O|2}}(g) → {{chem|CO|2}}(g) + 2{{chem|H|2|O}}(g) Hydrogen sulfide also combusts ([[Heat of combustion|ΔH<sub>c</sub>]] = -519 kJ/mol)<ref>[http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals/6001/6578.html Hydrogen sulfide<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> to :2{{chem|H|2|S}}(g) + 3{{chem|O|2}}(g) → 2{{chem|SO|2}}(g) + 2{{chem|H|2|O}}(g) The odor associated with flatus is due to hydrogen sulfide, [[skatole]], [[indole]], volatile amines and [[Short chain fatty acid|short-chain fatty acids]]. These substances are detectable by olfactory neurons in concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion, hydrogen sulfide being the most odorous.<ref>Levitt, M. D. and Bond, J. H. (1978) in Intestinal Gas and Gastrointestinal Disease</ref> The gases are produced by [[bacteria]] which live in [[symbiosis]] within the [[large intestines]] of humans and other [[mammals]] . The gases are created as a by-product of the bacteria's [[digestion]] working to break food down into elementary substances.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A673508 BBC - h2g2 - Farts and Flatulence<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Flammability== {{quote|The manly art of fart-burning. [[Gas compression|Compression]], [[ignition]], [[combustion]] and [[exhaust gas|exhaust]]."<ref name="Electric Don Quixote: The Definitive">{{cite web | last =Slaven | first =Neil | title=Electric Don Quixote: The Definitive Story of Frank Zappa | publisher=Omnibus Press | date=2003, [[ISBN 0711994366]] | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=ZaGs3UTVm1sC&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=%22frank+zappa%22+%22fart+burning%22&source=web&ots=IbUfje1UYF&sig=OwUyPiyW8HruOgYl6PV7JyQ0MNc | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>|Frank Zappa}} Because the [[methane]] and [[hydrogen]] present are flammable, igniting the resulting gases can result in burns or explosions as well as the desired flame. Clothing or hair may catch fire and sensitive tissues can be damaged. The flame is not always blue but may also be orange or yellow as well, depending on the [[Mass spectrometry|composition of the gas]] and the microorganisms living in the colon. The act of fart lighting is performed by using a source of open flame, such as a lit match, candle, or a cigarette lighter. So widespread is this activity that there are web sites on the Internet devoted exclusively to explaining proper lighting techniques. A major drawback of this popular practice is that it usually involves the hazardous coupling of fire, combustible gases and inebriated participants. Reports of serious burns to body parts are not uncommon but clothing helps to protect one's skin. Wearing pants -- e.g., thick cotton sweatpants -- is a good safety precaution. As with all fire stunts, cotton clothes (particularly if damp), or even better wool, are safer than synthetics. The [[fire point]] of [[Cotton#Critical_temperatures|cotton]] is 410°F, and it is hard to ignite accidentally. But many common synthetic fabrics, e.g., polyester [[Polar_fleece#Disadvantages|fleece]] or nylon pants, can melt to the skin or catch fire. On [[2 May]] [[2000]], a U.S. [[patent]] was issued for a "Toy gas fired [[missile]] and launcher assembly", a product that would allow one's "colonic gases" to be stored for later ignition to "fire the missile into space."<ref name="Toy Gas Fired">{{cite web | last =Zanakis | first =Michael F. | coauthor = Philip A. Femano | title=Toy Gas Fired Missile and Launcher Assembly | publisher=U.S. Patent Office, Patent number: 6055910; Filing date: Jun 1, 1998; International Classification - F42B 406 | date: [[2 May]], 2000 | url =http://www.google.com/patents?id=HxwDAAAAEBAJ | accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref> ==Motivations== Fart lighting has been a novelty practice primarily among young men or college students for decades,<ref name="Who Cut the Cheese?: A Cultural History of the Fart ">{{cite web | last =Dawson | first =Jim | title=Who Cut the Cheese?: A Cultural History of the Fart | publisher=Ten Speed Press, [[ISBN 1580080111]] | date=1999 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=G8t8doQHi-MC&pg=PA140&dq=%22fart+lighting%22&sig=CNex0O4B3IRqIGraBGM51P250_k | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> but is discouraged for its potential for causing injury. Such experiments typically occur on camping trips and single-sex group residences, such as tree-houses, dormitories, or [[Fraternity and sorority houses|fraternity houses]].<ref>[http://caliber.ucpress.net/doi/abs/10.1525/sp.2005.52.3.315 U. of California Press Web site] Retrieved October 6, 2007</ref> With the advent of video sharing features online, hundreds of self-produced videos, both documentary as well as spoof, have been posted to sites such as [[YouTube]]. The people appearing the videos are predominantly young males.<ref name="On YouTube, you too can be a star">{{cite web | last =Barnes | first =Steve | title=On YouTube, you too can be a star | publisher=Santa Cruz Live | date=2007 | url =http://www.santacruzlive.com/ex/content/view/5637/126/ | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="Search Results for 'fart lighting'">{{cite web | title=Search Results for “fart lighting” | publisher=[[YouTube]] | date=2007 | url =http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fart+lighting&search=Search | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> In his book ''The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness, Egotism, and the Quality of Human Life'' author Mark Richard Leary explains how a great deal of unhappiness is due to people's inability to exert control over their thoughts and behavior and that "stupid stunts" including lighting flatulence was a way to make an impression and be included in group bonding or hazing.<ref name="The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness">{{cite web | last =Leary | first =Mark Richard | title=The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness, Egotism, and the Quality of Human Life | publisher=Oxford University Press | date=2004 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=QrCENRx6klUC&pg=PA127&lpg=PA127&dq=lighting+flatulence&source=web&ots=htnLSme1rk&sig=Aw1ngh8Yw84L-u3HCe-RT1N629U#PPA128,M1 | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> ==Serious injuries== The flammability of bodily gases has caused serious problems in the medical operating room and also in animal [[slaughterhouse]]s. There have been many reports in the medical literature of "life-threatening explosions" in patients undergoing [[cauterization#Electrocautery|electrocautery]] of [[colon polyp]]s or other lesions.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Levitt | first = Michael D | coauthors = John H. Bond | year = 1980 | title = Flatulence | journal = Annual Review of Medicine | volume = 31 | pages = 127–137 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.me.31.020180.001015 }}</ref> In one case, the explosion resulted in a six-[[inch]] (15-[[centimetre|cm]]) hole in the patient's [[large intestine]]. However, this was sewn up, and the patient recovered.<ref>[http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_385.html The Straight Dope web site]</ref> ==Usages in popular culture== Many find a comedic value in fart lighting and the activity is increasingly represented in [[pop culture]] possibly because "for adults, the allure of the vulgar is regressionary and often secretly pleasurable."<ref name="Carnival Culture – The Trashing of Taste in America">{{cite book | last =Twitchell. | first =J. | title=Carnival Culture – The Trashing of Taste in America | publisher=Columbia University Press, New York | date=1992; p.52}}</ref> ===In comic routines=== Radio personality [[Howard Stern]], dubbed a [[shock jock]] for his [[controversy|controversial]] use of [[scatology|scatological]] humor on ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'', cites a fart-lighting scene for losing his popular show's first NBC affiliate when WGIT in Hartford canceled the show.<ref name="Private Parts">{{cite web | last =Stern | first =Howard | title=Private Parts | publisher=Simon & Schuster [[ISBN 0671880160]] | date=1993 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=h0QltZRg6FUC&q=%22fart+lighting%22&dq=%22fart+lighting%22&pgis=1 | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> The ''[[Flaming Gerbil Legend]]'' was reported by [[Robert D. Raiford]] on the ''[[John Boy and Billy]]'' radio show.<ref>[http://www.thebigshow.com/00cd_collection/cd_collection.html]</ref><ref>[http://www.markfortson.net/armageddon.wav]</ref> ===In movies=== Fart lighting is the major [[plot device]] that starts the film ''[[South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut]]''. Shortly after the characters are introduced, one character, [[Kenny McCormick]] dies after attempting to light one of his own farts on a [[dare]]. (Kenny's deaths from odd causes are a [[running gag]] in the series). The children make this dare in response to seeing [[Terrance and Phillip]] light each other's flatulence in the movie-within-the-movie, ''Asses of Fire''. After lighting his fart, Kenny [[Combustion|combusts]] and goes to the hospital; through a series of events the doctors replace his heart with a baked potato and it explodes, killing him and sending him to hell.<ref>[http://www.spscriptorium.com/Treats/SPBLUdraft8.htm South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - Eighth Draft<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Also, in the very first episode of the TV show, ''[[South Park]]'', ("[[Cartman Gets an Anal Probe]]"), Cartman shoots fire out of his anus by virtue of an alien satellite dish inserted in his rectum. A fantasy sequence in ''[[Dumb and Dumber]]'' depicts the lead character, played by [[Jim Carrey]], lighting a fart as a party trick in polite company. These unusual circumstances for the trick are intentionally jarring; the character's fantasy is established as bizarre and unrealistic.<ref>http://members.tripod.com/~scriptsg_den/dumbanddumber.html</ref> In the movie ''[[Dennis the Menace (film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993) Dennis was a "captive" of small time crook Switchblade Sam who in his stupidity, allowed himself to be tied up by Dennis. The key (lost in the tin of baked beans) was to be found by feeding them to Switchblade Sam who was sitting by the fire. Hours later, the beans had their desired effect with flames licking his ankles.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} In ''[[Extreme Days]]'', the four main male characters are shown in one scene lighting farts in a dark hotel room and laughing hysterically.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} In the 1985 movie ''[[Weekend Warriors (film)|Weekend Warriors]]'', the guardsmen in the unit all cheer on, as one of their number eats beans and then proceeds to engage in pyroflatulence, just as a visiting congressman enters the room. The viewer can see the congressman's shocked face by the light of the flame.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} In the film ''[[Beavis and Butt-head Do America]]'' the pair encounter their father(s) in the desert. Over the encounter, the elder man resembling Butt-head offers to show something really cool, then farts into the campfire with atomic results.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} ===In television=== In the British comedy "''[[Bottom (television)|Bottom]]''" the character Richard Richard, a 40-year-old virgin played by famous English comedian [[Rik Mayall]], attempts to sell his soul in order to have sex with beautiful women.<ref name="Comedy:Bottom">{{cite web | title=Comedy: Bottom | publisher=[[BBC]] | date=2008 | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/bottom/ | accessdate=2008-02-23}}</ref> In order to seal his pact he eats the "[[sprout]]s of evil" (sprouts left over from last [[Christmas]] cooked in [[curry]] sauce.) Richard also forces his friends to eat some. When the characters regain consciousness hours later; they literally fart flames. One character sets a settee on fire while another ignites a volatile alcohol and destroys the conservatory.(a photo can be seen [http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/bottom/ here].) In UPN's sitcom ''[[Rock Me Baby]]'', two disc jockeys perform the practice on the air. Shortly afterwards, an entire frathouse, inspired by the broadcast, is hospitalized for rectal burning and cauterization after attempting to light their farts&mdash;resulting in guilt, heavy fines for the station, and public backlash.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/rock-me-baby/ring-of-fire/episode/276594/summary.html TV.com web site]</ref> In the ''[[Beavis and Butt-head]]'' episode "Butt Flambé", the duo visit an [[emergency room]] after Beavis severely burns himself by lighting a fart.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/beavis-and-butt-head/butt-flambe/episode/58379/recap.html Beavis and Butt-head: Butt Flambe Recap - TV.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In ''[[Family Guy]]'' Viewer mail #1, [[Chris Griffin]] received the powers of [[pyrokinesis]], and lit [[Peter Griffin]]'s fart, creating a flame several feet long.<ref name="Family Guy: The Official Episode Guide Seasons 1–3"/><ref name="Family Guy: The Official Episode Guide Seasons 1–3">{{cite book | last =Callaghan | first =S. | title=Family Guy: The Official Episode Guide Seasons 1–3 | publisher=HarperCollins, New York | date=2005; “Family Guy Viewer Mail #1.”, 152–155.}}</ref> In [[14 May]] [[2006]] ''[[Untitled Griffin Family History]]'''s episode, the history starts with God fart lighting to produce the [[Big bang]] with the objects of the [[Milky Way]] [[solar system]] apparently God's effluence. A [[Bud Light]] 2004 [[Super Bowl]] commercial featured a horse-drawn carriage in which a couple is building romance and the man hands a woman a lit candle. While he leans down to retrieve the Bud Light; the horse farts and the gases, ignited by the candle flame, cause an explosion and we see the results of the woman's "blown out" hair and soot-covered face. At the end of the commercial a passer-by refers to it as a "Rocket Sleigh".<ref>[http://www.duncans.tv/2005/bud-light-beer-sleigh-ride Bud Light Sleigh Ride » Television Adverts at Duncan’s TV Ad Land<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In the animated series [[Johnny Test]] a character, Johnny X, has the ability to produce farting flames called "power poots".<ref>[http://kidswb.warnerbros.com/shows/johnnytest Johnny Test - Watch Kids' WB! every Saturday morning 7AM - 12PM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In an episode of the satire puppet show "[[Spitting Image]]", [[Rupert Murdoch]] uses lighted farts to make toast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=539|title=Spitting Image: The Complete Series 1|publisher=Network DVD|language=English|accessdate=2007-12-07}}</ref><ref name="mcwhirterguardian">[http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1217074,00.html "Spitting Image plans TV comeback"], ''[[The Guardian]]'', Monday May 17, 2004</ref> ==See also== * [[Fraternities and sororities]] * [[Goldfish swallowing]] * [[Panty raid]] * [[Phonebooth stuffing]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fart+lighting&search=Search Videos of Fart Lighting on YouTube] * [http://www.burningfarts.com/ Site devoted to fart lighting] [[Category:Flatulence]] [[Category:Humor]]