Researchers measured how many tiny fibers cigarette filters release when they touch water. They found one filter can release up to two dozen microfibers almost immediately on contact.
Over ten days a filter may lose more than one hundred fibers, and the amount depends on how the water moves. The team tested filters in still and moving water to see the difference.
Using these results, the researchers estimated a very large number of cigarette-butt microfibers enter New York waters each day. They warned the fibers can harm wildlife and suggested more bins and filters in sewers to reduce pollution.
Difficult words
- microfiber — very small thread of plasticmicrofibers
- filter — part that catches small particlescigarette filters, a filter
- estimate — make a careful guess about numberestimated
- wildlife — animals and plants in nature
- sewer — underground pipe for dirty watersewers
- pollution — dirty or harmful substances in environment
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen cigarette butts near a river or beach? What did you notice?
- Do you think more bins would help reduce cigarette pollution? Why or why not?
- What can people do to stop cigarette filters reaching water and sewers?
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