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Smoking is hazardous to your health in more ways than one. They're the leading cause of fatal fires in the U.S., causing one of every four fire deaths, and while the overall incidence of house fires is falling, the number of fires started by cigarettes is rising.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says the number of fires started by cigarettes increased 19 percent in the most recent year studied. It's urging more states and cities to follow New York's lead in requiring that cigarettes be designed to stop burning when they're not being actively smoked.

New York is the only state that has passed the cigarette safety law. Starting in June 2004, cigarettes sold in New York must be self-extinguishing and all cigarette brands must be tested to make sure they self-extinguish at least 75 percent of the time.

"Cigarette fires are a major cause of death that we know how to address,'' said James M. Shannon, NFPA president and chief executive officer. "A cigarette touching something combustible can take significant time to produce a fire. Cut down the burning time of cigarettes and you can prevent fires."

Researchers said the study provides the most compelling evidence yet that secondhand smoke causes heart disease. It is the first study to show a direct physical link between secondhand smoke exposure and an increased risk of heart disease.

"This study underscores the need for states and communities across the country to enact comprehensive clean indoor air laws that require all workplaces and public places to be smoke-free," said William V. Corr, executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Ellen J. Silberman - Boston Herald
Boston teenagers are more likely to light up a joint than a Marlboro, a report released yesterday by the City of Boston found. Just 15 percent of Boston high school students told school officials they smoked cigarettes, but 22 percent of the students said they used marijuana, according The Boston 2003 Trend Report: Snapshot of Boston's Children and Youth.