A study published in the November 22, 2017 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that 23 of the world’s 50 busiest aiports have smokefree indoor policies. The report affirms a growing trend toward smokefree and that among the top 10 busiest passenger airports worldwide, five are 100% smokefree indoors and five still allow indoor smoking, despite the known health hazards of secondhand smoke.
The ANR Foundation’s January 2, 2017 edition of Smoking Policies in the 35 Busiest U.S. Airports noted that, “As of January 2, 2017, 29 of the top 35 U.S. airports are 100% smokefree indoors. Additionally, 23 of the top 35 U.S. airports do not permit the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) indoors.” (View most current edition of this list)
Today, there are more than 600 U.S. airports with smokefree indoor air. Some, like Indianapolis, are even smokefree outdoors, eliminating the gauntlet of toxic smoke surrounding building entrances and shuttle stops. Airports have repurposed former smoking areas into more useful spaces such as seating areas, retail shops, and charging stations. Today, 87% of U.S. adults are nonsmokers. It is time that airports prioritize employee and traveler health over tobacco industry profits!
