Public places bans backed by environmentalists

Environmental experts have called for strict implementation of India’s ban on tobacco smoking in enclosed public places as a way of restricting where cigarette butts are discarded, according to an IANS (Indo-Asian News Service) story.

The non-biodegradable nature of a cigarette butt, which comprised a hazardous solid waste, meant that it was challenging to deal with, environmentalist M.K. Prasad was quoted as saying in a statement.

The butts contained dangerous chemicals such as cadmium, arsenic and lead.

‘Stricter implementation of laws on public smoking will not only improve public health but also restrict environmental damage,’ said Prasad.

‘Developed countries have woken up to this fact and have undertaken steps to identify the enormity of the problem. According to one estimate, the overall littering rate for cigarette butts in America is 65 percent.’