Cigarette Butt Litter Is Killing Plant Growth
- 5 years ago
Cigarette Butt Litter Is Killing Plant Growth Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world for 39 years, with an estimated 4.5 billion being disposed of incorrectly each year. Not only are these cigarette butts unsightly, they are also contaminating plant life. According to a study published in ‘Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety,’ plants grown in dirt containing
cigarettes experienced significantly stunted growth. The plant’s shoots were found to be
25 percent shorter and their root biomass 60 percent smaller. Although they are technically biodegradable,cigarette butts take years to decompose. In that time, toxic chemicals and carcinogens found within the discarded butts can leak into the surrounding environment. Although more research is needed on the topic, many believe that banning cigarette filters outright is the solution. Thomas Novotny, Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University, via NBC News
cigarettes experienced significantly stunted growth. The plant’s shoots were found to be
25 percent shorter and their root biomass 60 percent smaller. Although they are technically biodegradable,cigarette butts take years to decompose. In that time, toxic chemicals and carcinogens found within the discarded butts can leak into the surrounding environment. Although more research is needed on the topic, many believe that banning cigarette filters outright is the solution. Thomas Novotny, Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University, via NBC News