Turkey’s Association for the Fight Against Smoking President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that they welcome the Bolu Municipality’s implementation of monetary fines for those who throw cigarette butts on the ground with great satisfaction. He emphasized that this step is an important development in reducing the environmental effects of smoking and protecting public health.

Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that significant strides have been made in recent years regarding the deterrence of smoking; however, the desired level of results has not yet been achieved. He expressed that the application initiated by Bolu Municipality is a commendable initiative. Prof. Dr. Aydın said, “The new decision made by Bolu Municipality regarding cigarette butts will not only make the city cleaner but will also contribute to raising public awareness about smoking.”

“Harmful chemicals in cigarette butts negatively affect our ecosystem.”

Prof. Dr. Aydın pointed out that leaving cigarette butts in the environment poses a significant problem both aesthetically and health-wise. He stated, “We know that the effects of smoking on ecological life are at a dangerous level. The greatest damage is done to our soils and waters. The harmful chemicals in cigarette butts mix with rainwater, negatively affecting our ecosystem,” highlighting that smoking causes many environmental issues and emphasizing that measures taken by Bolu Municipality can serve as an important incentive to change smoking habits in society.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said, “We frequently emphasize that smoking affects not only our health but also our environment. This step taken by Bolu Municipality reminds smokers of their responsibilities towards the environment. Such applications expose the harms of smoking while also protecting the overall health of society. As the Turkey Association for the Fight Against Smoking, we support Bolu Municipality’s initiative and hope that other cities will adopt similar practices. The fight against smoking can only succeed if all segments of society act consciously and collaboratively.”

“Leaving a clean nature for future generations should be our responsibility.”

Finally, Prof. Dr. Aydın stated, “It should be our duty to leave a clean nature for our children and youth, who are the guarantee of our bright future. The Turkey Association for the Fight Against Smoking has been fighting for this for years. The efforts to explain the harm smoking causes to human health and our sensitivity to environmental issues are important indicators of this. We call on our society to support our struggle until the last molecule of cigarette is eradicated with the awareness of leaving a clean world for future generations.”