The Truth About Fire Safe Cigarettes

Cigarettes are well-known as a health risk, but they also have been shown to be a fire risk. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association's report "U.S. Smoking-Material Fire Problem" by John R. Hall Jr. (November 2008), they are the No. 1 cause of fatalities in residential fires. Fire-safe cigarettes were developed to help reduce the number of fires caused by smoking materials.

History

• The first type of fire-safe cigarette was developed in 1932.

  While fire-safe cigarettes seem like a new idea, they are not. In fact, a form of fire-safe cigarettes first were developed by the National Bureau of Standards (called a "self-snubbing" cigarette) in the 1930s. This technology was in response to a congressional call for the item, but it was not put into use until recent years.

What is a Fire-Safe Cigarette?

• Even a fire-safe cigarette can start a fire.

  Fire-safe cigarettes are known by different names, including "fire-safety compliant." No cigarette is truly a fire-safe cigarette, but these particular cigarettes significantly reduce the risk of a fire starting if left unattended. Under the right circumstances, they can still start a fire, as can nearly any heat source.

How Does a Fire-Safe Cigarette Work?

• Fire-safe cigarettes have bands called "speed bumps."

  Fire-safe cigarettes are made with paper that has bands. These bands are referred to as "speed bumps." The paper in these bands is less porous than the rest of the paper surrounding it. That causes a cigarette that's left unattended to stop burning when it reaches one of the bands.

Legal Stance

• As of May 2010, every U.S. state is under (or is less than a year from) a fire-safe cigarette law.

  As of May 2010, every state in the country (and Washington, D.C.) either have laws requiring fire-safe cigarettes in place or have a law passed awaiting implementation. There is no federal law regarding this type of cigarette. New York was the first state to put a fire-safe cigarette law into effect (June 2004).

Exercise Caution

• Technology can't replace diligence and care in preventing fires.

  One risk of fire-safe cigarettes is a sense of complacency. Just because fire-safe cigarettes are less likely to cause fires than regular cigarettes, it does not mean they are completely safe. Smokers still need to exercise due caution and smoke responsibly. Fires can still occur from careless smoking.