ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A last-minute amendment to Senate Bill 24, which was passed by the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, would allow smoking inside some retail cigar stores. The amendment creates an exemption to Alaska’s smoke-free workplace law, which passed in 2018. The American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the American Lung Association oppose the amendment and are disappointed with the removal of smoke-free workplace protections as all Alaskans have the right to breathe smoke-free air.
The organizations issued the following statement in response to the amendment and, specifically, some of the statements made about the nature of secondhand cigar smoke during floor debate:
“The scientific evidence is clear: there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and cigar smoke is no exception. Cigars produce large volumes of toxic smoke that damage the heart and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and lung disease—for workers and patrons alike. The only safeguard against secondhand smoke is not to allow it.
“Cigar smoke contains the same toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including chemicals that cause cancer.1
“The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has made it clear that no technology or engineering solution can make indoor smoking safe.
“Ventilation systems do not protect people from the carcinogens found in secondhand smoke. The Surgeon General has concluded that separating people who smoke from those who don’t, ‘cleaning the air,’ and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.2
“Strong public health laws are most effective when they protect everyone equally. Exemptions, such as carving out retail cigar stores, undermine the consistency and fairness needed to maintain meaningful smokefree protections.
“Our organizations will continue advocating for evidence-based policies known to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke in Alaska.”
