Smokers not put out about new cigarettes

SELF-EXTINGUISHING cigarettes which go out in 60 seconds if they are not smoked will be mandatory here by 2011.

This comes on foot of a ruling from the EU this week that within three years all cigarettes must be made with fire-retardant paper, in an effort to cut down on fatal fires.

European Commission spokesman Ton Van Lierop said: "These cigarettes, which go out in a minute if they are not smoked, have already cut down on fires in other countries where they are sold, like Canada and Australia."

The cigarettes are also mandatory in 22 states in the US.

"They will be on the market in Europe by 2011 at the latest, at which point we will ban the sale of cigarettes which do not put themselves out," said Mr Van Lierop.

"The costs are minimal and we do not think this will lead to price increases of cigarettes."

The move follows meetings last year between the European consumer protection commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, and firefighters' representatives, who have been seeking a ban on cigarettes made with non-fire retardant paper.

According to EU statistics, 11,000 fires between 2005 and 2007 were started by burning cigarettes. These accounted for 520 deaths and 1,600 injuries.

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What smokers say

Ciara Brennan and Clare Kennedy from Bray, Co Wicklow: "You never know where you might leave a cigarette down and forget where it is, especially at a house party. It's a great idea. Or you never know what might happen if you fell asleep with a cigarette."

Sandra Rafferty from Rathfarnham, Dublin: "It's a very good idea - so you don't burn the house down. My husband almost did it last week - fell asleep with a cigarette in his mouth and it fell on the quilt, burnt his leg. That's when he woke up."

Roel Claessens from Holland, here on holiday: "It's a good plan for fire protection. It's okay, I suppose, that it goes out after a minute, not too annoying. When I smoke I usually have a puff more than every minute, so I think it will work out well for me."

Marc Fawsitt from Greystones, Co Wicklow: "I've seen reports that there are chemicals in the paper in cigarettes to make them burn which are toxic. I don't think it would be annoying to have to relight every time you haven't smoked for more then 60 seconds. It means it'll only be lit when you're smoking."