Tobacco.org

EDITORIAL: Cigarettes problem indoors and out 

In Pennsylvania, the problem is still smoke.

In New Jersey, it's cigarette butts -- here, there, everywhere. On streets and sidewalks, in storm sewers and rivers, and -- according to those who monitor the health of oceans -- washing up on the state's beaches in record numbers. . . .

As studies are beginning to show, there's a correlation between indoor smoking bans and a rise in cigarette litter. Filters, which are not biodegradable, are getting into the aquatic food chain -- and showing up in the surf, where they raise the riddle of how you filter out the filters. It all starts at the point of consumption.

New Jersey is getting ahead of the curve with a proposed ban on flavored cigarettes -- the most objectionable marketing pitch to kids since Joe Camel. The state Senate has passed a bill which would outlaw the sale of cigarettes with a flavor of fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, booze, herbs or spices (but not menthol or cloves). Cigars, pipe tobacco and snuff would be exempt. The Assembly should add its blessing and send this bill to the governor.

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