Miami, FL — Miccosukee Casino and Resort in Miami, Florida recently announced a new indoor smoking section, claiming that despite the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, its “state-of-the-art” air filtration system will maintain air quality throughout the casino. In truth, no matter how “state-of-the-art” it is, experts agree that air filtration cannot protect against secondhand smoke, which endangers customers, workers, and the general public.
Claim: Advanced ventilation systems can ensure the comfort of smoking guests while maintaining air quality in non-smoking areas.
FACT CHECK: According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), “Ventilation systems are not effective against secondhand smoke.” These systems can reduce odor and discomfort but cannot eliminate exposure to harmful tobacco smoke. ASHRAE states, “There is no currently available or reasonably anticipated ventilation or air-cleaning system that can adequately control or significantly reduce the health risks of environmental tobacco smoke to an acceptable level.”
Claim: An indoor smoking section with advanced filtration is a safe environment for patrons and employees.
FACT CHECK: Secondhand smoke is a significant health hazard, causing conditions such as heart disease, respiratory issues, and cancer in non-smokers. No matter how advanced, filtration systems do not sufficiently mitigate these risks. According to the CDC, completely eliminating smoking is the only way to fully protect people who do not smoke from secondhand smoke exposure.
Claim: A new smoking section will enhance the overall experience for customers.
FACT CHECK: Experience from non-smoking casinos shows that moving smoking to outdoor areas would significantly improve health and productivity, lower costs, and enhance the overall customer experience. Non-smoking patrons benefit from a cleaner, safer environment, and a healthier workforce reduces absenteeism and healthcare costs.
BACKGROUND
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found adult cigarette smoking rates in the U.S. dropped to an all-time low, with only 1 in 9 adults saying they were current smokers. Another report from the CDC Office on Smoking and Health examined air quality in Las Vegas casinos. The report, entitled “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Your Lungs,” evaluated particulate matter – an indicator for secondhand smoke – in casinos that are smoke-free indoors, and compared the results to casinos that allow smoking. They affirmed that prohibiting smoking throughout the entirety of a casino is the only way to prevent the harms of secondhand smoke.
