James Christie discovered thousands of unused cigarette filters and tips packed into the attic rafters of his aunt's house in Galgorm, County Antrim. The house dates back more than 60 years and sits near a cigarette factory that closed in 2014.

Christie, a plumber, noted similar use of filters in other Ballymena area homes and the house next door. He attributed the materials to waste from factory machines that dropped them during production.

Niall Doherty, a former employee at the factory run by JTI Gallaher, confirmed the filters were machine waste typically discarded. He suggested locals acquired the material cheaply for its insulating properties.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council stated building regulations from the 1970s mandated safe materials like glass wool and fibreglass. The council reported no knowledge of cigarette materials used locally for insulation.

The Department of Finance noted pre-1970s installations fall outside current rules under Building Regulations (NI) 2012. It listed approved options such as mineral wool and does not endorse cigarette filters.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service cautioned against using cigarette materials in attics due to fire risks. It recommends professional installation of suitable products.

Properties for sale or rent require an Energy Performance Certificate assessing insulation and efficiency, per Mid and East Antrim Council.