The Washington, D.C. Big Stench Wednesday, March 1st

Gathering of Smoking "Outcasts" Based On Two False Premises

Cigars Are Dangerous and, Yes, They Really Do Stink!

What is billed as "The Washington, D.C. Big Smoke" should really be called the "Big Stench," says Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), about a planned gathering of "cigar aficionados" who plan to raise a stink in Lafayette Park about their rights. Although the leader of the demonstration claims that cigars "do not present a significant health risk," "he must be smoking something other than tobacco to make that claim," says ASH Executive Director John Banzhaf.

Experts agree that cigar smokers are five to ten times more likely to get cancer of the nose and throat (oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus) than nonsmokers about the same risk as for cigarette smokers. This is because the mouth and throat are exposed to cigar smoke in exactly the same way as with cigarette smokers, and because aficionados chomping on cigars keep the tobacco in contact with their lips and gums for long periods of time. Cigar smokers are also twice as likely as nonsmokers to get deadly lung cancer, a disease which kills over 85% of those diagnosed with it within five years.

One problem, says Banzhaf, is that many cigar smokers especially those who used to smoke cigarettes actually do inhale some of the smoke into their lungs, even if they don't know they are doing it. The demonstration's organizer claims cigar smokers "no longer want to be treated like outcasts," and hope that their march from Lafayette Park will help prove that they are "responsible citizens" who are "significant contributors to the well-being of America." However, says Banzhaf, it is clear that their smoke is far more annoying and far more irritating even than that from cigarettes, and no amount of huffing and puffing is likely to change that basic fact. That's why airlines have long banned cigar smoking even when cigarette smoking is permitted, and many restaurants which permit cigarette smoking still prohibit stoking up a big cigar.

Event organizers are hoping demonstrators will pay $125 to be able to "sample handmade cigars from the world's top producers" and "taste a wide variety of wines and spirits that pair well with cigars." Some of the money will go to help fight prostate cancer ironically one of the many diseases for which smoking is a major risk factor! What is billed as a "giant outdoor cigar-smoking rally in Lafayette Park, right across from the non-smoking White House," will be held from 5-6 PM on Wednesday, March 1st. "Cigar aficionados from all over the nation are expected," says the press release. Phallic symbols aloft, participants will then march to the J.W. Marriott Hotel at 1331 Pennsylvania, Ave., N.W. to stink up one of the hotel's private rooms reserved especially for them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 28, 1995

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: John Banzhaf (202) 659-4310

Return to PR List