The Harm of Tobacco on the Environment
The ugly truth about tobacco and it’s effects on your health have, thankfully, been well documented and researched. However, the ugly truth about it’s effects on the environment is only starting to gain traction.
What’s going on?
A recent study by the World Health Organization has outlined that smoking and the growing of tobacco has contributed to a host of other problems outside of ones individual health, and regarding the earth. For example:
- Deadly Gases: In 2012 alone, the WHO estimates 967 million of those who smoked daily consumed about a whopping 6.25 trillion cigarettes worldwide. As a result, “That means abut 6,000 metric tonnes of formaldehyde and 47,000 metric tonnes of nicotine are released into the environment,” states Dr. Armando Perugo, a consultant for the WHO.
- Health Care Expenses: A $1.4 trillion is spent in health care expenses and lost productivity, according to the WHO.
- Non-Biodegradable Litter: Cigarette butts are not biodegradable and are often thrown onto the ground in several countries. They are laced with several chemicals that include arsenic and heavy metals, which often end up in water supplies.
- Deforestation: Farming tends to use a large amount of wood, rendering tobacco a driver of deforestation. The result being one of leading causes of climate change.
- Pollution: Polluting waterways, and the “third-hand smoke” effect, where pollutants stick to walls, clothes, landfills, and accumulate in dust indoors.
How to Move Forward?
According to the study, the best way to quit is often “cold turkey,” which is certainly easier said than done. Many who use tobacco wish to ultimately wean off it, and thankfully, there are ways to do this. If you want to start your Quit Smoking Now journey and end smoking in your life, please contact us.