Cleaning a cigarette

Hey guys

I found this shrimp cleaning a cigarette near the surface.

strange to say the least.

I love the reflection

Cheers

Cal

Thanks for posting the photo, however for me that is so sad to see, please as a reminder to all smokers don't throw your cigarette butts in the ocean.

Happy shooting for 2009

I was a smoker, but quit six months ago - hope it lasts

When I was on a liveaboard on the Red Sea in 2006, then I witnessed something quit shocking. When most of the diver's went to bed and the crew started to clean the sundeck etc., then the ashcups vere emptied overboard, just like it would be a dumpster or sumthing. When they saw me, then the last cup's were emptied into trashcans as supposed. Seemed that the reason for throwing the debrie into the sea was just because of the shorter way to the portside than to the trashcan?!?!

Scubamoose

Yeah it really is quite a sad image. The burnt butt end really just makes it look "grotty" and dirty.

The dive site is a pier that is home to hordes of NYE party goers. Its pretty clean before NYE but after.......its a trash dump with bottles everywhere.

Cal

Strange to find a shrimp so close to the surface and vulnerable to predation.

btw. Cal, the shot's not that rare. JimC has told me he has a whole collection of butt shots. Probably his own.

Ah very true.

But I imagine his butt shots would be a fair bit bigger!

Happy new year

Cal

Hey Cal - strange find!

Nicotine is addictive above and below the waters

Actually cigarette butts are poison:

The environmental costs of tobacco products are more than just smoke. They include the following:

Filters and plastic wrap from cigarette packages remain in the environment for long periods of time. Cigarette butts are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, which can take many (estimated 2 to 25) years to decompose. Cigarette butts may seem small, but with several trillion butts littered every year, the toxic chemicals add up!

Cigarettes contain over 165 chemicals - Some of the chemicals smokers inhale: (http://www.tobaccofacts.org/suckedin)

Benzo[a]pyrene: found in coal tar and cigarette smoke and it is one of the most potent cancer causing chemical in the world.

Arsenic: deadly poison that causes diarrhea, cramps, anemia, paralysis and malignant skin tumors. It is used in pesticides.

Acetone: It's one of the active ingredients in nail polish remover.

Lead: Lead poisoning stunts growth, causes vomiting, and causes brain damage.

Formaldehyde: causes cancer, can damage lungs, skin, and digestive systems. Embalmers use it to preserve dead bodies.

Toluene: highly toxic, commonly use as an ingredient in paint thinner.

Butane: highly flammable butane is one of the key components in gasoline.

Cadmium: cause damage to the liver, kidneys and brain, and stays in the body for years.

Ammonia: causes individuals to absorb more nicotine, keeping them hooked on smoking.

Benzene: found in pesticides and gasoline.

Plastic pieces have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales, and other marine creatures that mistake them as food, swallowing harmful plastic and toxic chemicals. Ingestion of plastic cigarette filters is a threat to wildlife. Sometimes even young children pick up and ingest cigarette butts.

Wind and rain often carry cigarette butts into waterways, where the toxic chemicals in the cigarette filters leak out, threatening the quality of the water and the creatures that live in it.

Happy new year

I was a smoker, but quit six months ago - hope it lasts

When I was on a liveaboard on the Red Sea in 2006, then I witnessed something quit shocking. When most of the diver's went to bed and the crew started to clean the sundeck etc., then the ashcups vere emptied overboard, just like it would be a dumpster or sumthing. When they saw me, then the last cup's were emptied into trashcans as supposed. Seemed that the reason for throwing the debrie into the sea was just because of the shorter way to the portside than to the trashcan?!?!

 

Scubamoose

Hey Scubamoose. I am alarmed to hear your tale. Each Egyptian liveaboard I have used has been very careful not to dump trash. I always see the crew (who invariably smoke) use the ashtrays and do not flick their butts overboard. If I knew the names of any boats which did dump trash I'd vote with my wallet! Care to name and shame?

Thanks for the info Drew,

happy new year to you too!

Cal

Notwithstanding the danger and poisons of fags (European term for Ciggies) that is a cool photo. Well done!

Joe

Hey Scubamoose. I am alarmed to hear your tale. Each Egyptian liveaboard I have used has been very careful not to dump trash. I always see the crew (who invariably smoke) use the ashtrays and do not flick their butts overboard. If I knew the names of any boats which did dump trash I'd vote with my wallet! Care to name and shame?

The boat name was Flash Queen. Don't remember the operator...

Scubamoose

I was a smoker, but quit six months ago - hope it lasts

 

Scubamoose

It can! I stopped over a year ago. Just stick a regulator in your mouth instead

It can! I stopped over a year ago. Just stick a regulator in your mouth instead

Good advice - thanks!!

Scubamoose