The serious risk posed by lighters is confirmed by the
available data and information on fires in the EU related
to children playing with lighters. A report published by
the United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry
in February 1997 entitled ‘European research —
accidents caused by children under five playing with
cigarette lighters and matches’ estimated a total of
about 1 200 fires, 260 injuries and 20 deaths per year
in the EU for 1997. More recent information confirms
that a significant number of serious accidents, including
deaths, are still caused in the EU by children playing with
non-resistant lighters.