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Last Updated: Jan 31st, 2007 - 10:58:43 |
Tobacco firms can help prevent furniture fires
Nov 10, 2006, 17:04
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I applaud USA TODAY's coverage of a deadly issue — the high number of fire deaths involving upholstered furniture and the slow movement to enact standards that would undoubtedly save lives. Roughly 20% of home-fire deaths occur in fires that begin with ignition of upholstered furniture. These fires kill more than 500 people in the USA per year. Furniture does not spontaneously combust. The leading cause of these fires is cigarettes. While attempts to regulate furniture manufacturers have been stymied, there is a national movement directed at cigarettes that is reducing fires and fire fatalities in this country. The Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes, launched less than a year ago, is working to get tobacco companies to produce and sell only cigarettes that meet a tested fire safety standard. These "fire-safe" cigarettes have a reduced propensity to burn if left unattended or dropped onto upholstered furniture and mattresses. To date, six states have passed legislation requiring fire-safe cigarettes. All are using the same standard that was first enacted in New York in 2004. This has resulted in fewer cigarette-related fires and fatalities. The coalition is working to get similar legislation passed in the remaining 44 states. Tobacco companies can make this lifesaving change on their own, but so far they have refused. Perhaps continued coverage of the fire issue will cause them to act.
© Copyright 2006 by CigarettesOn.Com
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