Public Health On Call 746 - Why Cigarettes Are So Bad for the Environment
Apr 15, 2024
Grazi Grilo, a researcher at the Global Institute for Tobacco Control, discusses the severe environmental impact of cigarette butts and filters, highlighting their contribution to pollution. The conversation delves into the ineffectiveness of filters, strategies to combat tobacco marketing and usage, and efforts to address the environmental impact of tobacco globally.
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Cigarette Butts: Top Global Litter
- Cigarette butts are the most littered objects globally, with 4.5 trillion discarded improperly each year.
- Their plastic filters and packaging persist forever in soils and waterways, causing widespread environmental contamination.
Toxic Chemicals and Plastic Filters
- Cigarette butts contain thousands of toxic substances including metals and hydrocarbons.
- The filters contain single-use plastic that does not biodegrade, contaminating soils and water.
Filters Are Marketing, Not Safety
- Cigarette filters were introduced by the tobacco industry as a marketing tool, not for safety.
- Research shows filters do not make cigarettes any safer but add flavor and user experience.