Cigarettes
National Association of State Fire Marshals Policy Regarding Flammability Standards for Cigarettes
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) supports the establishment of state-level flammability standards for cigarettes. At a cost of just pennies, adjustments in the cigarette design can be made that will prevent the loss of an estimated 800 lives annually. Currently, all of Canada and an increasing number of U.S. states have enacted laws requiring all cigarettes sold to meet flammability standards.
As the organization whose members comprise the senior fire official in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, NASFM has always supported the concept of a "lower-ignition strength" cigarette, or more accurately, a cigarette that is less likely to ignite upholstered furniture and mattresses. NASFM recognizes that nothing that burns is completely "fire safe," and adults who choose to smoke need to exercise fire safe behavior with tobacco products, as well as with
matches and lighters. Tobacco products, matches, lighters, and candles should be kept out of the reach of children at all times.
NASFM does not endorse the purchase or use of any tobacco product.
For the latest list of states that have passed laws or are considering regulation on cigarette fire safety, as well as other resources for advocates and the media, please consult the website of the Coalition for Fire Safe Cigarettes™,
www.firesafecigarettes.org.
Additional Resources:
For more information contact:
Karen Suhr, Government Relations, National Association of State Fire Marshals
Email:
kfernico@aol.com or Phone: (202) 737-1226
