The Environmental Impact of Tobacco: Deforestation & Pollution

It's common knowledge that smoking cigarettes or consuming other forms of tobacco causes devastating health problems, such as cancer, strokes and heart attacks. However, many people aren't aware of the extensive environmental damage caused by tobacco production and consumption.

Deforestation

• Cigarette manufacturers use wood to cure tobacco and to roll cigarettes. Approximately one tree is required for every 300 cigarettes, according to CorpWatch. Deforestation increases flooding, decreases food output and may contribute to global warming.

Pesticides

• Growing tobacco requires large amounts of chemical fertilizers, which may cause health problems in farmers and also pollutes the ecosystem. Many tobacco farm workers also become ill from nicotine poisoning.

Fire

• Tobacco smoking has caused several forest fires, including a 1987 fire in China that killed 300 people and destroyed 1.3 million hectares of land. Cigarettes also represent the leading cause of household fires, according to CorpWatch. Fires not only cause damage but also release extra carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.