Jazmin Li
Smoking is currently only allowed outside of the terminal at Detroit Airport, in designated smoking areas. However, there is a proposal to add a cigar lounge inside the airport, which has sparked outrage from anti-smoking groups. They argue that it would expose millions of travellers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke, while others claim that modern ventilation systems can minimise the spread of smoke particles and limit exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed inside the airport | No |
| Smoking allowed outside the airport | Yes, in designated areas outside the terminal |
| Plans for a cigar lounge | Yes, inside the airport |
| Opponents of the cigar lounge | American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition, Parents Against Vaping e-Cigarettes (PAVe), Tobacco Free Michigan, and others |
| Arguments against the cigar lounge | Would expose millions of travelers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke, reversing decades of public health progress |
| Arguments for the cigar lounge | Modern systems in place to prevent the risk of secondhand smoke exposure, such as direct exhaust vents, frequent air exchanges, and HEPA filtration |
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What You'll Learn
Detroit Airport's planned cigar lounge sparks outrage
Detroit Airports planned cigar lounge sparks outrage
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is planning to open a cigar bar lounge in McNamara Terminal, which has provoked pushback from anti-smoking groups concerned about the health impact on passengers and employees. The proposal, presented at a recent Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) meeting, includes a cigar bar lounge and restaurant that would expose millions of travellers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke.
Opponents
Opponents of the proposal include the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition, Parents Against Vaping e-Cigarettes (PAVe), and Tobacco Free Michigan. These groups argue that the only way to fully protect non-smoking employees and travellers from secondhand smoke exposure is to implement smoke-free policies that completely eliminate smoking inside airports.
Health Risks
Health and engineering experts agree that there is no safe level of indoor smoking. Studies have shown that airports with smoking lounges have elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in non-smoking areas, which can endanger the health of travellers and employees. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that smoke-free policies are the only way to fully protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure. However, others argue that modern ventilation systems can effectively minimise the risk of secondhand smoke exposure, and that concerns should be focused on proper maintenance of these systems rather than the presence of a cigar lounge.
Smoking in Airports
Dedicated cigar bars inside airports are rare in the United States, and none are currently in operation post-pandemic. However, some airports do permit smoking in designated areas, including Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), and Nashville (BNA) airports. Outside of the US, airport smoking areas are more common, with Tokyo Narita (NRT) having dozens of indoor smoking lounges.
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Opponents of the cigar lounge
The proposal to open a cigar lounge at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has sparked outrage among anti-smoking groups and health experts. Opponents argue that the lounge would expose millions of travellers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke, posing a significant health risk.
Several organisations, including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, have joined forces to oppose the plan. They emphasise the urgent need to protect public health and maintain smoke-free environments, especially considering the progress made in recent decades. Michigan's 2010 smokefree law, for example, ended smoking in most indoor public spaces, and allowing a cigar lounge in the airport would be a step backward.
Health and engineering experts agree that there is no safe level of indoor smoking. While modern ventilation systems can minimise the spread of smoke particles, they cannot fully eliminate the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure. Studies have consistently shown elevated levels of particulate matter in non-smoking areas of airports with smoking lounges, endangering the health of all individuals in the airport.
Opponents also argue that the presence of a cigar lounge normalises tobacco use and undermines public health efforts to reduce tobacco consumption. They worry that the lounge will contribute to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The CDC's stance is clear: "There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke."
The opponents of the cigar lounge at DTW are concerned about the potential impact on the health of travellers and employees, and they are calling on the authorities to prioritise the well-being of all individuals by maintaining a smoke-free environment throughout the airport.
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Health impact on passengers
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is planning to open a cigar bar lounge in McNamara Terminal, which has sparked outrage among anti-smoking groups. They argue that the cigar lounge would expose millions of travellers and airport employees to harmful secondhand smoke, threatening their health.
Health and engineering experts agree that there is no safe level of indoor smoking. The opponents of the cigar lounge include prominent organisations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and Tobacco Free Michigan, among others. They emphasise the urgent need to protect public health and maintain smoke-free environments.
Studies have consistently shown that airports with smoking lounges have elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in non-smoking areas, endangering the health of travellers and employees. A 2012 CDC release stated that air pollution levels from secondhand smoke directly outside designated smoking areas in airports are five times higher than in smoke-free airports. Additionally, a 2019 study found that while outdoor smoke did not significantly impact indoor air quality, it did lead to increased PM2.5 levels in areas surrounding smoking areas, which often include terminal entrances.
The potential health impact on passengers from the cigar lounge in Detroit Airport is a significant concern. Secondhand smoke contains harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems, increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and other negative health effects. Exposure to secondhand smoke, especially for prolonged periods while waiting for flights, can be detrimental to the health of passengers, including those with pre-existing medical conditions.
While proponents of the cigar lounge argue that modern ventilation systems can minimise the spread of smoke particles, critics worry that the Detroit airport might not maintain these systems properly. They advocate for smoke-free policies as the only way to fully protect non-smoking employees and travellers from secondhand smoke exposure.
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Air quality and ventilation
The air quality and ventilation of an airport are crucial factors in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for travellers and employees. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has recently come under scrutiny for its plans to open a cigar lounge, sparking a debate about the potential impact on air quality and the health and safety of those in the airport.
Currently, DTW does not permit smoking indoors, only allowing it outside of the terminal in designated smoking areas. The proposed cigar lounge, to be located in the McNamara Terminal, would be the only dedicated smoking area inside the airport. This has raised concerns from anti-smoking groups and health experts who argue that it could expose millions of travellers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke.
Opponents of the cigar lounge highlight the health risks associated with indoor smoking. They argue that smoke-free policies are the only way to fully protect individuals from secondhand smoke exposure. Studies have shown that airport smoking areas contribute to higher levels of particulate matter, endangering the health of both travellers and employees. While modern airports may have advanced ventilation systems that dilute smoke concentration and maintain air quality, there is still a risk of smoke leakage and exposure.
Proponents of the cigar lounge, however, might argue that an indoor smoking area with sufficient ventilation equipment could minimise the spread of smoke particles and be preferable to outdoor smoking areas located near terminal entrances. They might also point out that other airports, both domestically and internationally, have similar designated smoking areas without significant issues. Additionally, they might question the broader context of risk, highlighting that there are other unhealthy aspects of airport travel and that relative risk should be considered.
Overall, the debate surrounding the proposed cigar lounge at DTW highlights the complex nature of balancing various interests and priorities within a large transportation hub. While there are valid concerns about air quality and the potential health impacts on travellers and employees, there are also arguments for providing designated smoking areas with proper ventilation to mitigate these risks. Ultimately, the decision rests with the airport authorities, who must weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks of allowing indoor smoking at the airport.
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Airports that permit smoking
As of December 2024, Detroit Airport is considering adding a cigar lounge, which has sparked outrage among anti-smoking groups. Opponents argue that it would expose travellers and employees to harmful secondhand smoke. However, supporters of the plan argue that modern ventilation systems can effectively mitigate the risks associated with indoor smoking.
While smoking on airplanes flying to, from, or within the United States has been banned since 2000, some airports in the country still allow smoking indoors. Here are some examples of airports that permit smoking:
McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport)
Smoking is permitted at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Memphis International Airport
Memphis International Airport in Tennessee is another airport that allows indoor smoking.
Nashville International Airport
Nashville International Airport in Tennessee also permits indoor smoking.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
This airport, serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, allows indoor smoking.
Biloxi-Gulfport International Airport
Biloxi-Gulfport International Airport in Mississippi is another airport where smoking is allowed indoors.
It's worth noting that these airports have faced pressure from public health organisations and anti-smoking groups to prioritise the health of travellers and employees by implementing smoke-free policies. With the majority of U.S. adults now being non-smokers, there is a growing movement to eliminate smoking inside airports completely.
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Frequently asked questions
Smoking is currently only allowed outside of the Detroit Airport terminal, in designated smoking areas. However, there is a proposal to add a cigar lounge inside the airport, which has sparked outrage among anti-smoking groups.
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is planning to open a cigar bar lounge in McNamara Terminal. This would be the only dedicated smoking area inside the otherwise smoke-free airport.
Opponents argue that the cigar lounge would expose millions of travellers and airport employees to harmful secondhand smoke, threatening their health. They emphasize the urgent need to protect public health and maintain smoke-free environments.
