Beginning this week, California retailers will be required to sell self-extinguishing cigarettes. These fire-safe cigarettes are less likely burn when left unattended. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
The fire-safe cigarette measure was actually signed into law in 2005. It was designed not to go into effect until 2007. California becomes the sixth state to adopt such a law. The measure requires that only cigarettes made with special fire-safe paper be sold. Left unattended, the cigarettes are designed to put themselves out.
The National Fire Protection Agency says smoking accidents are the number one cause of death in home fires. The agency says smoking-related fires killed 760 people nationwide in 2003.
Tobacco companies point out fire-safe cigarettes aren’t perfect. Companies say smokers still need to be vigilant. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
