Fire-safe cigarettes may not be effective
A new study assesses implementation of legislation requiring fire-safe (low ignition propensity – LIP) cigarettes (see also pinfa Newsletter 56), looking at available statistics and studies on effectiveness in preventing fires and testing of such cigarettes as placed on the market.
Available studies suggest a reduction in occurrence of fires and mortality ranging from -40% to zero. Tests on LIP cigarettes sold in the USA, in Sweden and elsewhere have all found little difference in actual ignition propensity. This study concludes overall that “claims regarding the effects of fire safe cigarettes may be premature”.
“Are fire safe cigarettes actually fire safe? Evidence from changes in US state laws”, C. Bonander et al., Injury Prevention 201, 0, 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2017-042322