I just read a note on FB about Carl Schneider who we grew up with. The writer recalled that Carl used to eat Camel cigarettes (and other gross dross).

I remember Carl  as a great guy, if a little (?) goofy. One time a group of us were eating at La Rosa's. Someone had dropped a piece of pizza on the floor next to our table. While we sat there, several people walked by, each stepping on and further crushing this yellow/red morsel until it turned rather black. Carl walked in to join us and nonchalantly picked up the now-grotesque piece, popped it in his mouth, ate it, and let out a satisfied sigh. Another time, at Sullivan (High School), I had somehow pissed off one of the greasers, who let it be known that he and I were going to fight outside the Jew's entrance after school. I was dreading getting my ass kicked and contemplating how long my recovery was going to take. At the appointed hour, the greaser and I were walking toward each other when Carl moved toward my antagonist in a friendly like way and said "Hey, wait. I gotta tell you something first." The greaser stopped and Carl proceeded to beat him to a bloody pulp. I was relieved and thankful, and only wondered why Carl hadn't eaten him.