Belgium: High Health Council calls for ban on cigarette filters

Filtered cigarettes are just as harmful to health as non-filtered cigarettes, according to a new analysis by the Belgian Superior Health Council (SHC). According to the organisation, filters create a false sense of security and can even increase the amount of carcinogenic substances in cigarette smoke. In addition, the opinion highlights the impact that filters have on the environment, due to the microplastics released when they decompose. The SHC therefore recommends a general ban on cigarette filters, both in Belgium and at European level.[1].

The CSS is thus responding to a request received in summer 2022 from the Federal Minister for Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and the Green Deal concerning the use of plastic filters in cigarettes.

Last week, the Dutch government also came out in favour of a Europe-wide ban on cigarette filters.

Filters have no health justification, says Council

In its conclusions, the CSS concludes that the filter should only be considered as a marketing tool developed by the tobacco industry in response to growing concerns about the health effects of smoking in the second half of the 20th century.^th century and that the filters do not present " no proven benefit in preventing the adverse health effects of smoking ".

Cigarette filters give a false sense of security because smokers believe they are purifying the smoke of harmful substances, the report said. While they do stop some soot and nicotine particles, they also have harmful side effects: A filter produces more carcinogens because the tobacco burns more slowly and incompletely. In addition, smokers often inhale more deeply (or more often) to compensate.

Filters reduce the respiratory irritant effect of smoke, making it easier for young people to start smoking, and prevent tobacco strands from being deposited in the mouth. This means that a filter ban would make smoking less attractive, which could reduce the overall number of cigarettes smoked and counteract youth initiation.

Biodegradable filters are not a solution

The tobacco industry is preparing for the possibility of a filter ban by offering "alternatives", including so-called "biodegradable" filters. In its opinion, the Council does not consider the promotion of biodegradable filters as a solution. Indeed, biodegradable filters would continue to release harmful chemicals into the environment if they were disposed of inappropriately. In addition, this type of filter could mislead consumers into thinking that throwing their cigarette butts in nature would have less impact, which would ultimately lead to increased risks for the environment. Finally, it is certain that the tobacco industry will use these biodegradable filters as a marketing opportunity as part of its corporate social responsibility activities to present itself as a responsible player and hope to improve its image.

Since the filter has no health benefit for the smoker, introducing so-called "biodegradable" filters could lead to a renormalization of smoking while maintaining the attractiveness of the product.

Filter ban at heart of international plastic treaty

The High Health Council is calling for filters to be considered as non-degradable single-use plastic products, in the same way as disposable plastic bags. However, introducing such a ban at national level is complicated due to the strong interference of the tobacco industry determined to protect its own interests. The Council therefore proposes to immediately implement such a ban on filters at European level.

This is a measure that is supported and defended by those involved in the fight against tobacco and environmental protection in the run-up to the second session of negotiations on the treaty on plastic pollution, which will be held in Paris from May 29 to June 2, 2023.[2]United under the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance (STPA), a global coalition of organizations, the NGOs want to have the major pollution linked to cigarette butts recognized in the world and to include their ban in the treaty.

Keywords: Belgium, filter ban, plastic pollution, Europe, plastic treaty

AE

[1] Cigarette filters do more harm than good, Federal Public Service Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment of Belgium, published on April 26, 2023, consulted on April 27, 2023

[2] Generation without tobacco, Cigarette filters, a major issue in the treaty on plastic pollution, published on April 18, 2023, consulted on April 27, 2023