Abstract: A composition of high oxygen index that yields little visible smoke and little or no corrosive fume on combustion and having adequate mechanical and electrical properties for cable jackets and bedding comprises;20-35 parts of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer;52-75 parts of an alumina trihydrate with at least half its weight in particles with a diameter in the range 0.5-3.0 micrometer;up to 3 parts of stearic acid or a stearate; andat least one antioxidant and if desired at least one curing agent in effective amounts not exceeding 4 parts in all.A double-layer of aromatic polyimide tape, the first layer helically lapped and the second preferably longitudinally applied, is interposed between a bedding an a jacket both of the above composition to give a superior low-smoke cable for use in tunnels of railroads or other transportation systems.