Researchers estimate that more than five trillion cigarette butts accumulate in the environment each year, contributing to environmental degradation, requiring expensive cleaning.
So far, the authorities have made huge efforts to launch clean-up and recycling campaigns, according to the coauthor of the study, Kelley Lee. But these measures are not enough, says the specialist, who heads the Canada Research Chair in Global Health Governance.
Ms. Lee explained that it would be important to go ahead of the problem, so target the tobacco companies in this case.
The study, recently published in the scientific journal "Tobacco Control", Develops a regulatory system that could inspire cities, provinces or countries. It was conceived jointly with a Washington organization, the "Cigarette Butt Pollution Project».
According to research, one to two thirds of cigarette butts are thrown into the wild and end up buried in dumps or in rainwater.
In Vancouver, in just one week last summer, the fire department had to extinguish 35 fires that had started cigarette butts left in the open. The City of San Francisco spends about 11 million US $ per year for cleaning.
Cigarette butts are not biodegradable, contrary to popular thought, Lee said. Cellulose acetate, a kind of plastic, stays in the environment for 10 at 25 years and cigarette filters also contain 
chemicals, including lead, arsenic and nicotine.
The study suggests forcing the tobacco industry to pick up, transport and dispose of butts under theExtended producer responsibilityWhich would add environmental cost to the price of cigarettes. Other industries that produce dangerous consumer goods are required by law to dispose of paint and pesticide containers, fluorescent light bulbs and drugs, among others.
« Australia and some countries in Europe are considering the possibility of adopting laws to this effect“, According to Kelley Lee.
Source : journalmetro.com
