05:02, 2008-Jun-4
Cigarette-related fires are a leading cause of home-fire fatalities in the United States, according to numerous safety groups. Each year 700 to 900 people lose their lives because of fires caused by cigarettes.
A new law in New Jersey, however, may help to bring that number down with the introduction of self-extinguishing cigarettes.
According to New Jersey's Division of Fire Safety, 204 fires were started by the improper use of smoking materials in 2006. The study also says 14 percent of fire fatalities in the state that year were caused by cigarettes.
The new cigarettes, being sold as of June 1, will have extra band of paper around them that puts out the cigarette if it isn't being puffed.
Officials hope the law will prevent fatalities and damage caused by cigarette-related fires. Stores selling non-complying cigarettes could face penalties of up to $250,000.
Smokers say they like the new law but not the new taste. Meanwhile cigarette companies say that the health risks, other than the risk of fire, remain the same.