India's environmental burden of tobacco use and its policy implications

The article examines the environmental impact of tobacco product waste, an often-overlooked consequence of tobacco use, particularly in India, which has a significant population of smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Despite extensive research on the health and economic repercussions of tobacco, the disposal of tobacco-related waste, including plastics, foils, and filters, poses a substantial threat to marine and terrestrial ecosystems due to their toxic nature and contribution to pollution. A cross-sectional study conducted across 17 states revealed that India generates approximately 170,330.49 tonnes of waste annually from tobacco products, with a significant portion attributed to smokeless tobacco. The article calls for the implementation of comprehensive waste management policies that classify tobacco waste as hazardous, ensuring responsible disposal and recycling. It also advocates for extended producer responsibility, increased taxation to fund clean-up efforts, and public education campaigns to promote awareness and proper waste disposal. Overall, the article emphasizes the urgent need for governmental action to address the environmental challenges posed by tobacco product waste alongside its well-documented health effects.