June 24, 1996
Cigar Parties Are The Newest Rage
Cigar smoke isn't easy to breathe. It is thicker and more pungent than cigarette smoke, and poses a serious air quality threat in party rooms. How many people can simultaneously smoke cigars in a given size room before the oxygen level in the room is too low to be safe?
We have heard people say that they had to leave before the cigar party was over. Others have expressed fear of going to a second cigar party because they thought it was not healthy. Even restaurants have on their menus "Please refrain from pipe and cigar smoking."
Officials need to start checking the air quality at cigar parties or parlors. It is unclear as to whether existing clean indoor air legislation regulates cigar smoke. However, these types of gatherings should not be exceptions to this legislation, if they are.
Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, larynx and lungs are possible fatal consequences of inhaling cigar smoke, both first and second hand. The sidestream smoke from cigars is just as detrimental as that from cigarettes. In fact, the particle emissions from one cigar are greater in number than those from cigarettes. In addition, the carbon monoxide emissions are 30 times as high.
Aside from being difficult to breathe, cigar smoke smells really bad when it is stale. Cigar smokers claim that they don't inhale; however, they do more puffing and the wafting fumes are inhaled by others. As with cigarette smoke, cigar smoke permeates clothing and even the exposed non-smoker announces his or her presence with the stale cigar stench. Many ladies are taking to cigar smoking, perhaps a throwback to a more decadent lifestyle. Robin Leach could have a new show: "Lifestyles of the Rich and Smelly."
Anti-smokers are usually called the zealots. Cigar smokers may be foolishly grabbing the title. Zealous cigar smokers shouldn't let these parties take their breath away.
James C. Benerofe
June 24, 1996
Editorial #2
Response 1:The aromas of fine cigars
Response 2: Lighten Up!