The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56376

Sarah Curi, JD, MPH, Northeastern University School of Law, Tobacco Control Resource Center, 102 The Fenway #117, Boston, MA 02115-5000, 617-373-8494, scuri@tplp.org and Lauren E. Hash, Harvard Law School, 1563 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Cigarettes are the most frequent cause of fatal fires in the United States. Thousands of people in the United States are killed in fires caused by cigarettes; many more are injured. The tobacco industry has known for decades how to manufacture cigarettes that self-extinguish before they start fires and burn less hot. While making public statements that obscured the progress of its internal research, internal industry documents reveal that the tobacco industry chose to shelve its research until "public pressure builds unduly."

Most consumer products, from pajamas to furniture, are regulated regarding fire safety standards and propensity for ignition, yet no such standard exists for cigarettes. It is time for the tobacco companies to take responsibility for the consequences of fires caused by their products. For years, the tobacco companies have avoided regulation by shifting the burden to other industries. The current fire safety regulations and voluntary standards adopted by other industries do not adequately protect the public health. In order to protect lives and save property, cigarettes must be regulated as to propensity for ignition.

Laws, like that passed in New York, that require that manufacturers adhere to fire safety standards for other consumer products will save lives. Laws must be drafted carefully to achieve public health aims. In order to avoid much of the damage to human lives and property caused by cigarette fires, cigarettes should be regulated regarding fire safety standards in the same way that other consumer products are.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the impact of cigarette-caused fires and the role of law in preventing cigarette-caused fires. To offer practical guidance on developing effective legislative action promote fire-safe cigarettes. Best practices will be shared.

Keywords: Injury Control, Tobacco Legislation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.