Published: September 12, 2005

California Legislature Passes Fire-Safe Cigarette Law

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Bill goes to Governor for signature or veto

This month, the California legislature overwhelmingly passed fire-safe cigarette legislation. The bill now goes to Governor Schwarzenegger for his signature or veto. The Governor has not yet made his position known and has until early October to act.

The proposed law would require all cigarettes sold in California to adhere to the same stringent fire safety standard adopted in New York, Vermont and Canada.

Fire-safe cigarettes are wrapped in a special paper with ultra-thin bands that slow the burning of the cigarette when not being used by the smoker. Ridges (also called speed bumps) in the paper make it less likely for an unattended cigarette to continue burning, lowering the risk of discarded cigarettes accidentally igniting bedding or upholstery. Left unsmoked, an abandoned or discarded fire-safe cigarette would go out instead of possibly causing a fire.

If Governor Schwarzenegger signs this fire-safe cigarette bill into law, it will be the national "tipping point." Tobacco manufacturers will begin to market only fire-safe cigarettes in other states (even states that do not have fire-safe laws).

Cigarettes are the nation's #1 cause of fire death. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cigarette-caused fires result in more than 1,000 civilian deaths, 3,000 critical injuries (many among firefighters), and $400 million in direct property damage each year.

To send a letter in support of fire-safe cigarette legislation, go to www.smokefree.net/fire_ca