Cigarette filter

Cigarette Filter

A cigarette filter, also known as a filter tip, is a component of a cigarette designed to filter the smoke inhaled by the smoker. It is typically made from cellulose acetate, a synthetic fiber, and is located at the mouth end of the cigarette.

History

The first cigarette filters appeared in the early 20th century and were made from cork. The modern cellulose acetate filter was introduced in the 1950s in response to growing health concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.

Design and Function

The primary function of a cigarette filter is to reduce the amount of harmful substances inhaled by the smoker. It does this by trapping some of the tar and nicotine present in the smoke. However, it is important to note that filters do not remove all harmful substances, and smoking remains a significant health risk.

Cigarette filters are typically cylindrical in shape and are made by wrapping the cellulose acetate fibers in a paper wrapper. Some filters may also contain charcoal or other substances to further enhance their filtering capabilities.

Health Impact

While cigarette filters do reduce the amount of some harmful substances inhaled by the smoker, they do not eliminate the health risks associated with smoking. In fact, some research suggests that filters may actually increase the risk of certain diseases by encouraging deeper inhalation.

Furthermore, cigarette filters are a significant source of environmental pollution. They are non-biodegradable and can take many years to break down. Discarded filters can also be harmful to wildlife.

See Also

• Tobacco smoking
• Health effects of tobacco
• Environmental impact of tobacco

References

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  Cigarette filter

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  Diagram of a cigarette

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  Cellulose acetate

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  Cellulose acetate

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  Cigarette litter

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  Ashtray full of cigarette butts