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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2009
Legislature Approves Bill Banning Sale of Dangerous Toy Lighters
(SACRAMENTO) - Today, the Senate gave bipartisan approval to Assembly Bill 625 by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), which bans the sale and distribution of dangerous toy lighters. The bill now moves to the Governor for signature.
"It's unconscionable that cigarette lighters that look like toys are being sold in California," said Assemblymember Lieu. "These dangerous lighters are very attractive to kids because they can resemble cartoon characters, flash lights and make sounds. We warn our children about the dangers of matches and lighters but how do you get that message across when the lighter looks like a toy?"
The purpose of AB 625 is to prevent injuries, loss of life, and property damage caused by fires from these dangerous toy lighters by prohibiting their sale, distribution, or offer for promotion. While enacting a state standard, the measure acknowledges local jurisdictions with bans already in place and does not supersede any local ordinances enacted prior to January 1, 2010.
"AB 625 takes an important step in preventing an increase in fires, property loss and lives lost or injured," said Assistant Chief Laura Blaul, Fire Marshal for Orange County Fire Authority, sponsor of the bill. "Our juvenile population is already a significant source of the intentionally-set fires in our jurisdiction. There is no reason to make lighters, one of the leading devices used by juveniles in those fires, look more attractive and enticing to their curiosity in this area. We are pleased to see that Assemblymember Ted Lieu is working to keep California as a leader in preventing fires."
National and worldwide efforts have been taken to ban the sale of these dangerous toy lighters. The U.S. Fire Administration has added a Novelty Lighter Code to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to begin collecting information specifically about toy lighters. NFIRS data indicates that lighters play a role nearly equal to matches in causing residential child-play fires.
Other states have already banned or are in the process of banning toy lighters. For example, the State of Maine banned these lighters, citing not only the fire safety issue but also the high content of lead in the paint used in these lighters. In addition, the European Union has adopted a standard that calls for all lighters in the EU market to be safe, child-resistant, and not resemble toys.
This bill is sponsored by Orange County Fire Authority and supported by California State Firefighters’ Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, and numerous fire departments across the state.