Cigarette
A cigarette is a narrow cylinder of finely cut tobacco leaves that are rolled into thin paper for smoking. Cigarettes are one of the most commonly consumed forms of tobacco products worldwide and have a long history dating back centuries. However, they have also been a subject of controversy due to their negative health effects and association with various diseases, primarily respiratory and cardiovascular.[1]
History[edit]
The history of cigarettes dates back to ancient times when tobacco was first discovered and cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Americas. Tobacco leaves were initially used in various forms, including smoking pipes and cigars, among others. The modern cigarette, as it is recognized today, emerged in the late 19th century as tobacco manufacturing techniques advanced.
The mass production of cigarettes began in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with the introduction of automated cigarette-making machines. This development led to an increase in cigarette consumption worldwide, with major tobacco companies emerging as prominent players in the industry.[2]
Creation[edit]
Cigarettes are typically made by blending different types of tobacco leaves to achieve a specific flavor and nicotine content. The tobacco is finely chopped and mixed, and the resulting blend is then wrapped in a thin paper cylinder. The paper often has a filter at one end, designed to reduce the amount of smoke and harmful substances inhaled by the smoker.[3]
Cigarettes contain various chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, among others. When a cigarette is lit and smoked, the tobacco and additives burn, releasing these compounds into the air and subsequently into the smoker's lungs.[4]
Regulation[edit]
Given the well-established health risks of smoking, many countries have implemented strict regulations and controls on the production, advertising, and sale of cigarettes. These regulations often include health warnings on cigarette packaging, bans on smoking in public places, and efforts to reduce tobacco marketing, especially targeted at young people.
Alternatives[edit]
In response to health concerns, various alternatives to traditional cigarettes have emerged, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) and heated tobacco products. These alternatives are often marketed as potentially less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but their long-term health effects are still a subject of debate and ongoing research. Many individuals who recognize the health risks associated with smoking seek to quit. Smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapies, and counseling services are available to support individuals in their efforts to quit smoking.[5]
Degradation[edit]
Once in the environment, cellulose acetate can go through biodegradation and photodegradation. Several factors go into determining the rate of both degradation processes. This variance in rate and resistance to biodegradation in many conditions is a factor in littering and environmental damage.
References[edit]
