Lung Association fights against proposed cigar lounge in Minnesota

During a recent government meeting, representatives from the American Lung Association in Minnesota voiced strong opposition to a proposed cigar lounge in Blaine. The organization highlighted the significant health risks associated with tobacco use, particularly cigars, which contain harmful compounds similar to those found in cigarettes.

The American Lung Association emphasized that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Minnesota, claiming over 6,500 lives annually. In 2021, smoking-related healthcare costs reached $4.7 billion, translating to an average of $824 per person in excess expenses. Alarmingly, data from 2023 revealed that 32.2% of high school students and 12% of middle school students in Minnesota had experimented with commercial tobacco products.

Cigar smoking poses serious health threats, including increased risks of various cancers. The association warned that allowing cigar lounges would expose non-smokers to secondhand smoke, which cannot be effectively mitigated by ventilation systems. These systems fail to eliminate carcinogens and can inadvertently spread smoke throughout shared spaces.

The organization also raised concerns about the message such establishments send to youth, noting that cigars are increasingly popular among young people. In 2022, approximately 500,000 U.S. high school and middle school students used cigars, making them the second most popular tobacco product among this demographic. The normalization of cigar smoking could lead to increased marketing opportunities for tobacco companies and further addiction among youth.

The American Lung Association urged the council to reject the proposal, citing Minnesota's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits cigar lounges. The organization called for a commitment to public health and a tobacco-free future for all Minnesotans.