The case for fire safe cigarettes made through industry documents
by Gunja M, Ferris Wayne G, Landman A, Connolly G, McGuire A, Koh HIt is well documented that cigarette caused fires are responsible for 1000 deaths and billions of dollars in other damages each year. For years, the tobacco industry has claimed that they do not know how to manufacture a commercially viable fire safe cigarette. However, the recent release of industry documents due to the Master Settlement Agreement has shed new light on what the industry knew about fire safe cigarettes. These internal company documents reveal that the tobacco industry has known how to create a fire safe cigarette for some time. The documents also illuminate tactics used by the tobacco industry to block and otherwise influence fire safe legislation. This article will inform effective use of state and federal legislation to address cigarettes related fires. It will also add to understanding of industry counter strategies that are aimed at and directly impact public health outcomes.