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Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is a controversial and rare phenomenon where a

person allegedly catches fire without an apparent external source of ignition.


Throughout history, there have been reports of individuals found dead with nearby
objects relatively unscathed, suggesting that the fire originated from within the
person's body.

However, it is crucial to note that the scientific community has generally rejected
the idea of spontaneous human combustion as a real, naturally occurring phenomenon.
Instead, there are more plausible explanations for these cases. Some of the key
points to consider are:

Lack of scientific evidence: Despite numerous reported cases of SHC, there is no


scientific evidence to support the idea that humans can spontaneously burst into
flames without an external ignition source.

Alternative explanations: The few cases that have been attributed to SHC can often
be explained by external factors such as an unnoticed open flame, smoking, or other
sources of ignition, combined with factors like the victim's clothing or
environment.

Physical impossibility: From a scientific standpoint, spontaneous combustion is


considered implausible because the human body is not known to contain the necessary
conditions or substances to ignite and sustain such a fire.

Lack of consistent patterns: Reported cases of SHC vary widely, making it difficult
to establish a common cause or pattern.

Misinterpretation of evidence: In some cases, forensic investigations have shown


that supposed instances of SHC were a result of external fires that consumed the
body after death.

While the concept of spontaneous human combustion has captured public imagination
and has been popularized in literature and media, there is no conclusive scientific
evidence to suggest it as a genuine phenomenon. Instead, the occurrence of such
incidents can usually be attributed to known and more plausible explanations.

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