Where There's Smoking, There's Fire: the Effects of Smoking Policies on the Incidence of Fires in the United States

39 Pages Posted: 18 Dec 2010 Last revised: 5 Jun 2023

See all articles by Sara Markowitz

Sara Markowitz

Emory University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: December 2010

Abstract

Fires and burns are among the leading causes of unintentional death in the U.S. Most of these deaths occur in residences, and cigarettes are a primary cause. In this paper, I explore the relationship between smoking, cigarette policies, and fires. As fewer people smoke, there are less opportunities for fires, however, the magnitude of any reduction is in question as the people who quit may not necessarily start fires. Using a state-level panel, I find that reductions in smoking and increases in cigarette prices are associated with fewer fires. However, laws regulating indoor smoking are associated with increases in fires.

Suggested Citation

Markowitz, Sara, Where There's Smoking, There's Fire: the Effects of Smoking Policies on the Incidence of Fires in the United States (December 2010). NBER Working Paper No. w16625, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1727104

Sara Markowitz (Contact Author)

Emory University ( email )

Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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