WATERPROOF MATCHES

As silly as it may sound waterproof matches are just that matches which are waterproof.The tip is formulated with a blend of chemicals, water, and a heat resistant substance that does not interfere with the strike of the match.The striking force is a treated surface with a moisture resistant coating.

Matches have been around since the early 1800's. First used with sulfides. However the fumes of the sulfides led to necrosis of the jaw. Next, in the USA, the tried phosphorous mixed with a few other chemicals. NO necrosis. This led to a wide spread market on matches and books of matches.

Now, back to waterproof matches. They were first used in WWII when the military were in Japan. With the rainy season prevailing the men needed to light fires. The match company was called upon. A chemist from the Diamond Match CO. was called  to make a waterproof match. He did. He created a match that could be lit after eight hours of being under water, and thus being the first waterproof match.