In recent years, the international community has paid considerable attention to the issue of marine pollution. Most people might think that marine garbage includes plastic waste, such as straws; however, it is actually cigarette butts that are the greatest source of trash in the ocean. According to the statistics of the Marine Conservation Society, there is one cigarette butt litter in every five items collected on the beach. The cigarette butts not only make dirty beaches but also release harmful substances and pollute the environment.
According to statistics, since the 1980s, the largest amount of rubbish in the ocean is cigarette butts which far exceeds the plastic waste such as plastic bags and straws. Cigarette butt litter is accounted for one third of all marine waste.
It is common that people often think cigarette butts will slowly be decomposed in the soil over time, but in fact, when the cigarette butts are discharged into the environment, it pollutes the soil and aquatic environment. The heavy metals and toxic from cigarette butts will enter the food chain and finally create the accumulative effects through the food.
For young children, 1-2 mg of nicotine will cause nausea and vomiting, and higher doses will result in broader neurological symptoms. Cigarette butts contain neurotoxins, which may cause acute symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Severe poisoning may cause convulsions, arrhythmia or difficulty breathing. In addition, if a pet in your house accidentally eats cigarette butts, it might get into a life-threatening situation.
