Warning
1999-68
May 4, 1999
HARRY, BEST and CIG brand disposable cigarette lighters pose safety hazards
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use HARRY brand, BEST brand and CIG brand disposable, child-resistant cigarette lighters because they do not meet various safety provisions of the Hazardous Products (Lighters) Regulations. The brand names are stamped into the metal flame guards of each lighter.
Tests have shown that these lighters do not meet various design and performance requirements:
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HARRY brand lighters - the child-resistant mechanism is ineffective; poses a fire hazard to consumers since it may explode when exposed to high temperatures;
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BEST brand lighters - may continue to burn long after the lever is released to extinguish the flame; poses a fire and safety hazard to consumers since it may explode when exposed to high temperatures; and,
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CIG brand lighters - may continue to burn long after the lever is released to extinguish the flame; has excessive flame height; may release fuel when dropped and burst into flames.
There have been no reports of injuries in Canada.
Health Canada officials believe these lighters, all made in China, were brought into Canada via the United States. Importers of these lighters have not yet been identified. Retailers are primarily independent store owners who purchased the products from door-to-door salespersons.
Retailers are asked to immediately remove HARRY brand, BEST brand and CIG brand lighters from sale and to contact the nearest Product Safety Bureau for further direction.
Consumers in possession of the above-mentioned brands of lighters should stop using them immediately and dispose of them in accordance with local laws.
Health Canada reminds consumers to keep all lighters OUT OF SIGHT and OUT OF REACH of children when not in use.
For more information, consumers should contact the nearest regional Product Safety office of Health Canada listed below:
Media inquiries:
Andy Teliszewsky
Health Canada
(613) 954-3948
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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