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Cigarette Filters

Cigarette filters are made to help with the harsh smoke of tobacco. They are most commonly made from acetylated cellulose which is spun into fine fibers then bundled into what is called a “tow”, which is the filter that is not yet surrounded by paper. Once the tow is shaped and cut it is inserted into the cigarette paper by machines before the tobacco is added. The material is fine enough to trap large particles, but still allows smoke to flow through.

With “light” cigarette filters, there are extra holes cut into the side of the filter and paper that allow air to come into the filter, diluting the smoke. Although less smoke is inhaled each time, they are still just as dangerous as regular cigarettes. Light cigarette smokers often inhale deeper on each drag to compensate for the diluted smoke, or end up smoking more cigarettes which can actually make them worse than full flavor smokes.

The cellulose material used in cigarette filters is resistant to biodegradation. Current estimates put them at anywhere from ten months to fifteen years, depending on the environment. They account for roughly 30% if all debris that collects on beaches, washed in from other locales. Some manufacturers have begun using biodegradable materials such as cotton in their filters because of this.

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