Warning over dangerous lighters

The Malta Standards Authority has warned that illegal, non-refillable cigarette lighters, called novelty lighters, are available for sale from different retail outlets around the Maltese Islands even though they are dangerous.

The European Commission in May 2006 had banned the sale of such lighters because they are unsafe, particularly children.

“These lighters normally come in the shape of a toy, cartoon character, musical instrument, human body or parts of a human body, play musical notes or have flashing lights or other child appealing or entertainment feature. Such features make these lighters appealing to children who use them and are injured through their use. All non-refillable lighters found on the markets are required to be certified as being child resistant,” the authority said.

It said any outlets having such lights should withdraw them immediately.