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Mother said Josh Powell threatened her
BOSTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Cigarette lighters masquerading as toys are about to be banned in Massachusetts, as they already are in 13 other states, under a measure signed by the governor.
Some of the lighters resemble toy cars, others cellphones, fire extinguishers or doll accessories. Some are model Christmas trees with lights and music, or rubber ducks that quack, The Boston Globe reported.
Invoking child safety, Gov. Deval Patrick signed a measure Aug. 9 banning the sale and use of so-called novelty lighters. It takes effect in November.
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said: "When adults cannot tell the difference between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do so? Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation."
The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Geraldo Alicea, who said firefighters urged him to act.
Officials targeted the novelty lighters as a means of reducing the number of fires started by children. Last year, children using matches and lighters sparked 158 fires in Massachusetts.
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