Stricter penalties for improper disposal of cigarette butts sought

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker proposed stricter penalties for improper disposal of cigarette butts.

Citing US studies, Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones said cigarette butts have damaging effects on marine life.

Palmones said a study conducted at San Diego State University found that chemicals from one filtered cigarette butt could kill fish in a one-liter bucket of water.

Another study by researchers at the Clean Virginia Waterways showed that one cigarette butt in two gallons of water was fatal to water fleas, a tiny crustacean found in fresh water.

“Smoking is dangerous not only to health but also to the environment,” Palmones said.

The National Statistics Office reported last year that 17.3 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above are smokers.

“In most public places, cigarette butts are the most littered item. Probably because most smokers are not aware of the effects to the environment of the butts they throw. It could also be the lack of waste bins,” Palmones said.

He said studies showed that cigarette filters, the white cotton part called cellulose acetate, is filled with toxin and takes 18 months to 10 years to decompose.

Palmones pushed for amendments of the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. He said the anti-smoking law is focused mostly on the health of the public and clean air environment.

“We believe there is a need to revisit the law to address this issue of cigarettes now being considered toxic waste. Perhaps, there is a need to establish new ways on how the prevalent waste should be properly disposed to avoid further danger to our environment,” Palmones said.