The world’s first cigarette filter ban is in effect in Santa Cruz, California. Photo credit: Basil MK, Pexels.
The Board of Supervisors of Santa Cruz County, California finalized its approval of a ban on the sale of filtered cigarettes and cigars. The sales ban will apply to all unincorporated areas of the county and requires that two of the four incorporated cities in the county pass similar ordinances before coming into effect.
The sale of unfiltered cigarettes, cigars, loose-leaf and chewing tobacco, unflavored vape pens, and other tobacco products will remain permitted. The ordinance is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
While Santa Cruz County is the first to pass such a law, there is movement in this direction across the globe. Environmental ministries in Belgium and the Netherlands have recommended banning filters, and over the past several years bills have been introduced in several US states. Current negotiations at the United Nations on a treaty to end plastic pollution include text banning filters world-wide.
More than 98% of cigarettes are filtered, making smoking less harsh and keeping bits of tobacco out of the mouth. Public health officials hope that banning filters will motivate adults to quit smoking and greatly reduce youth uptake.
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), approximately 4.5 trillion used filters are discarded into the environment globally every year.