A recent article published in the Cincinnati Enquirer indicates that cigarette butts are not only unsightly but also toxic to toddlers and pets.

Anti-tobacco groups want state legislators to increase the cigarette tax so that smoking is too expensive of kids and teens.The most normal reaction is vomiting, says Dr. Karen Krummen, manager of the Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center. "If a large enough amount is ingested, initially you'd see stimulation, which includes being irritable and jerking of limbs. It's possible the heart rate and blood pressure could go up. Seizures are unlikely with cigarettes, but if somebody had enough, it would be possible." According to Dr. Krummen, there is a 90% chance that if a child has three butts or more, it may cause symptoms which are at times severe enough to take the child to a hospital! "Be aware that nicotine is in the cigarette and cigarette butt, which people don't think about. Those things need to be kept out of reach of children." Not to mention cats and dogs, whose symptoms can mimic those of small children.

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