Tobacco Industry Effects On The Environment

The Tobacco industry has an effect on our planet more than many people seem to realize. It is estimated that over 1.7 billion pounds of cigarette filters are discarded into our lakes, beaches and oceans each year. With all of this waste being dumped into our natural environment, there are obviously going to be several effects on wildlife, and the natural eco system. Cigarette filters release the chemicals contained inside them within an half hour, to an hour of coming in contact with water. Chemicals such as arsenic are being released into environments that truly are not prepared for them. Many seagulls and aquatic life will mistake them for food, consume them and then become poisoned by their toxins. Studies have also shown that 90,000 smoking …show more content…
Not only do these fires do millions of dollars in damages to property value but they destroy thousands of acres in natural habitats such as forest and grassland. Ultimately leading to more and more endangered or even extinct species. These fires will also lead to a reduction in soil productivity, meaning the natural nutrients from the ground will be burnt up eliminating any chance of agriculture. Hundreds even thousands of gases are released during these fires which will ultimately lead to a disruption of the carbon balances in the air and cause immediate damage to our O-Zone layer. The runoff and waste from tobacco production is also a huge issue, the process of growing tobacco is long and extensive. Tobacco farming requires multiple pesticides and chemicals to ensure the safety of the plants that are being grown. Almost all of these pesticides and chemicals are harmful to not only humans but also wildlife. It was estimated in 1995 that over 6 billion pounds of chemicals were used that year, this number has almost tripled since then. Each and every process involved in the curing and harvesting of tobacco will use harmful chemicals to the