Why is lint accumulation in laundry areas a fire hazard?

Lint accumulation in laundry areas poses a significant fire hazard primarily because it is highly flammable. Lint consists of tiny fibers from clothing that are shed during drying cycles. When lint builds up in dryer vents, ducts, or lint traps, it creates an increased risk of combustion since these fibers can easily ignite when exposed to heat, particularly if the dryer overheats.

The high flammability of lint is enhanced if it is allowed to accumulate over time, which can significantly raise the likelihood of a fire starting within the dryer or venting system. In fact, dryers are a common source of residential fires, and keeping lint under control is crucial for maintaining fire safety in laundry areas.

While other factors like airflow obstruction and potential electrical faults can contribute to fire risks in certain contexts, the primary concern with lint is its capacity to easily catch fire.