Whenever there is a debate on the hazardous effect of tobacco usage, unfortunately, the health concerns almost always conceal the impacts of tobacco on our environment. It is very rare that environmental degradation due to tobacco usage is given any importance as it is usually the last topic under tobacco hazards discussions. However, not only tobacco consumption needs to be severely regulated in order to suit the environment but the activities and processes of tobacco manufacturers need strict supervision too.
The tobacco industry contributes to the degradation of our environment through every step. Whether it is tobacco’s growth on a large scale, discarded cigarettes’ disposal, or even filtered cigars, everything has its negative impacts on both human and animals indirectly through the land, air, and water pollution. Here are some of the most common ways in which tobacco impacts our environment.
Effects on Natural Environment
Trees are cut down in order to grow tobacco on a large scale which has very hazardous impacts in the long run. The deforestation of specific areas leads to air pollution and becomes a welcoming factor for earthquakes and floods. Due to this removal of trees on a massive scale, animals lose their shelters and plants are destroyed, eventually ending up the natural eco-system.
Carelessly throwing the burnt cigarettes in forests and fields can erupt fire and can destroy wildlife to a large extent. Many forest fires due to the cigarettes’ residues have resulted in massive destructions not only of the forests but also of the homes causing many deaths.
Effects on Cattle
Cigarettes and tobacco-related residues have a serious impact on pets and other animals as it destroys the livestock industry in general. The contact between animals and tobacco litter always ends up in destruction especially when animals swallow it and get chocked. The residues of tobacco when come in contact with animals, either orally or through nasal routes, can make them sick and even lead to their deaths.
Effects on Agriculture
Cigarette litter and tobacco can gradually get accumulated in very large concentrations under the fertile grounds, causing them to lose their fertility. Other forms of tobacco, like pipes, etc., are also usually thrown carelessly in the open fields which also causes harm to the crops to some extent. The chemicals of tobacco are also found to be hazardous to the humans being when they reach to them as accumulated in the crops humans eat. Moreover, growing tobacco in a certain region can adversely affect the fertility and growth of other crops on the neighboring lands because tobacco is a mono-crop.
In order to keep our land, air, and water safe and free form tobacco, some serious steps are needed to be taken regarding the tobacco industry. These industries must be set up far away from the populated areas and must have a specific area to grow tobacco. Smokers must be forced to dispose-off their used cigarettes and other tobacco containing litter in a proper way and must be penalized if they are ever observed doing it the wrong way. Smoking must be done in some specific zones and not everywhere so as to keep the air clean.
