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Consumer Product Safety

Be Careful With Lighters and Matches (Fact Sheet)

2007
ISBN: 0-662-69213-6 (PDF Version)
Cat. No.: H128-1/05-434 (PDF Version)

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Lighters and matches safetyDisposable lighters sold in Canada must be "child-resistant" but this does not mean they are "child-proof". Child-resistant lighters are made so that children have a harder time making them work. Child-resistant lighters may slow children down but they will not stop them. Children as young as 18 months have started fires by learning how to use lighters.

Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of reach of children.

Safety Tips

  • Teach children about the dangers of lighters and matches.
  • Make sure children never play with lighters and matches.
  • Make sure the lighter you buy is "child-resistant".
  • Never leave a lighter in a car on a hot summer day, or near a heater or a stove because it could explode.

Stop, Drop, Roll

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada.