Massachusetts Governor Patrick Signs Novelty Lighter Ban

September 3, 2010 – Governor Deval L. Patrick has signed into law a ban on novelty lighters, making Massachusetts the 14th state to do so, according to State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. "When adults cannot tell the difference between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do so?” he asks?

State Representative Geraldo Alicea sponsored the bill. “I am proud to see the passage of this bill and I am thankful to my colleagues for approving this prudent piece of legislation,” says Representative Alicea. “Prior to filing this bill, I had met with a number of local [fire fighters] who had brought this issue to my attention and recommended that I file something that would prohibit these dangerous and redundant lighters in the state. I am extremely grateful for their support and hard work on behalf of this bill.”

Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths and accidents across the nation. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys. Many of these lighters look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, cameras, fishing lures, stacks of coins, markers and doll accessories. One lighter is nearly identical to the popular rubber ducky bath toy — it even quacks! There are also toy like and novelty lighters that look like tools such as tape measures, drills, hammers and paint brushes. Ironically, there are even lighters that mimic a Dalmatian donning a fire helmet, a red fire truck or fire extinguishers.

The law takes effect in 90 days. It bans lighters, which due to the physical or audio features make them appealing or attractive to a child under age 10. There is an exemption for collectible lighters made before 1980, certain disposable lighters with artwork, and for interstate transport of lighters not designed to be sold in Massachusetts.