Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of Novelty (Toylike) Lighters in Iowa

The juvenile firesetter intervention program has a long history of being concerned about the dangers of lighters - including novelty lighters - in the hands of young children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission adopted a safety standard in 1994, requiring disposable cigarette lighters be manufactured to child resistant standards. This safety standard has been highly effective in reducing child fatalities nationwide. Although the standard also defined novelty lighters, it did not prohibit the sale and distribution of lighters that look like toys. Many lighters today look like animals, miniature cars, musical instruments and game pieces. Other lighters look like adult tools in miniature - cell phones, hammers, paint brushes, and felt-tip markers. These lighters are dangerous in the hands of juveniles or adults unable to distinguish the difference between a toy and a lighter. Prohibiting the sale of these lighters would protect our children from lighters that encourage their curiosity, inviting unintentional misuse and placing them and their families at risk for burn injury, death and property loss.

♦ Over 70 million toylike lighters are imported into the United States annually.
♦ The European Union banned the sale of toylike lighters as of March 2007. As a result, more of these lighters will likely be redirected for sale to the U.S.
♦ Maine and Tennessee have passed legislation to prohibit toylike lighters.
♦ Other states considering this legislation are Alaska, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia.

I support legislation to prohibit the sale of toylike lighters.