Fire safe cigarette

Fire-safe cigarettes, also known as reduced ignition propensity (RIP) cigarettes, are cigarettes designed to extinguish more quickly than standard cigarettes if ignored, with the intention of preventing accidental fires. In the United States, fire-safe cigarettes are mandated by law in all 50 states, with laws requiring cigarettes to meet certain standards of ignition strength and to be self-extinguishing if left unattended.

Overview

The concept of fire-safe cigarettes is aimed at reducing the number of fires caused by cigarettes in homes, which are among the leading causes of fire-related deaths worldwide. These cigarettes have bands of less porous paper, known as "speed bumps," wrapped around the cigarette at certain intervals. When the burning tobacco reaches one of these bands, the cigarette will extinguish itself if it is not actively being smoked. This design is intended to reduce the amount of time a cigarette can burn unattended.

History

The movement towards fire-safe cigarettes gained momentum in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advocating for the development and regulation of cigarettes that were less likely to ignite upholstered furniture and bedding. The first state to enact a law requiring fire-safe cigarettes was New York, in 2004. Following New York's lead, other states quickly adopted similar laws, and by 2011, all 50 states had legislation requiring cigarettes sold within their borders to be fire-safe.

Legislation and Standards

The laws regarding fire-safe cigarettes are primarily based on standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), specifically the ASTM E2187 standard. This standard outlines the method for testing the ignition strength of cigarettes. To comply with state laws, cigarette manufacturers must submit their products to an accredited laboratory for testing and prove that their cigarettes have a reduced propensity to ignite soft furnishings.

Controversy

Despite the safety benefits, fire-safe cigarettes have been the subject of controversy. Some smokers claim that the taste and smoking experience of fire-safe cigarettes are inferior to those of traditional cigarettes. There have also been concerns about the potential health risks associated with the chemicals used to make the paper bands that create the self-extinguishing feature. However, regulatory agencies and health organizations maintain that the benefits of reducing fire risks outweigh these concerns.

Impact

Research indicates that the introduction of fire-safe cigarettes has led to a significant reduction in smoking-related fires and fatalities. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that in the first five years after fire-safe cigarette legislation was implemented, the number of residential fire deaths in the United States attributed to smoking materials dropped significantly.

Conclusion

Fire-safe cigarettes represent a significant advancement in public safety, addressing the longstanding issue of accidental fires caused by unattended cigarettes. While there are debates regarding their taste, smoking experience, and health implications, the positive impact on fire prevention is undeniable. As such, fire-safe cigarettes are an important tool in ongoing efforts to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths.

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