Animal suffering from cigarette butts: facts and research results

Cigarette butts pose a significant threat to wildlife in various ecosystems. They contain toxins and are made of materials that do not degrade quickly, leading to direct and indirect harm to wildlife. Some key findings from studies are discussed below:

Ingestion and choking

• Birds and Fish : Animals such as birds and fish often mistake cigarette butts for food. Complete filters are frequently found in the stomachs of these animals, which can lead to choking or internal blockages.

Poisoning by leaching of chemicals

• Aquatic organisms : Cigarette butts contain nicotine, heavy metals and other harmful substances that dissolve in water. One butt can pollute up to 1000 liters of water. Research shows that at a concentration of one cigarette butt per liter of water, half of the fish are at risk of dying.

Behavioral changes and reduced chances of survival

• Mice : Studies have shown that mice that drink water contaminated with cigarette butts exhibit less effective escape behavior from predators. This suggests that the toxins in cigarette butts affect the central nervous system, impairing survival instincts.

DNA damage and mutations

• Freshwater mussels : Research on the freshwater mussel Anodontites trapesialis showed that exposure to cigarette butt leachates led to accumulation of heavy metals and changes in the DNA material. This can result in mutations and reduced survival.

Microplastics and long-term environmental impact

• Microplastics : Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that degrades very slowly. During this process, they break down into microplastics, which can be ingested by small organisms, causing harmful effects on the food chain.

Conclusion

Cigarette butts cause harm to animals in a variety of ways, ranging from physical obstruction and poisoning to genetic damage and behavioral changes. It is essential to raise awareness of this issue and take measures to prevent the disposal of butts in the environment, to protect animal ecosystems.