Public hearing on dangers of cigarette fires

The dangers of cigarette-related fires -- the cause of the fire that killed Tufts junior Wendy Carman -- was discussed at a public hearing at the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety yesterday.

Lobbyists and advocacy groups are trying to push through the Moakley Bill, which would force cigarette companies to manufacture "self-extinguishing" cigarettes in an effort to prevent fires being caused by unattended cigarettes.

Smoking is the leading cause of residential deaths due to fire in the nation, according to the Massachusetts Public Interest Group (MASSPIRG), at 33 percent.

Last year, the bill was passed by the Senate, but failed to make it through the House of Representatives. But MASSPIRG is confident that the bill will make it all the way through this time around, said spokesman Brad Dakake.

"This time, we hope to get this through both Houses and signed by the Governor, and hopefully prevent future tragedies like Wendy Carman," Dakake said. This year, the bill has garnered considerable support with over 100 co-sponsors in government, including 81 in the House.

Yesterday's public hearing also heard Carman's friend Branden Yee speak about his experience losing a friend as a result of cigarette fires. "I would encourage others who smoke or know individuals who smoke to get involved," Yee said.

Strangely, cigarette companies contend that the technology does not exist to produce self-extinguishing cigarettes even though they are currently being manufactured.

Dakake said that cigarette companies are currently capable of producing these cigarettes after having researched ways to slow down and extinguish burning as early as the 1970s.

Throughout the nation, state governments are moving towards the adoption of self-extinguishing cigarettes. A New York State law currently requires that only self-extinguishing cigarettes are sold. Similar bills are under consideration in Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. As well, cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris announced last year that it is backing the initiative to adopt a national standard requiring tobacco companies to produce only self-extinguishing cigarettes.

The bill should not pose any financial burden on the government because affecting the changes should come out of the pockets of the tobacco companies, Dakake said.

As for financial burden for the tobacco companies, Dakake seemed indifferent. "I'm sure there is some degree of cost to the tobacco company, but for a company that spends $26 million a day on advertising, I'm not really concerned about their bottom line," he said.

MASSPIRG is a nonprofit group that describes itself as an "advocate for the public interest." The organization is funded by donations and grants, but does not accept corporate funds.

The Moakley Bill was filed by Senator Cheryl Jacques and Representative Rachel Kaprielian.