American Lung Association Applauds Nissan Stadium for Reopening as Smokefree Venue as Titans Play Tonight

“We applaud the decision of Nissan Stadium for adopting a smokefree policy, eliminating the smoking and vaping of tobacco products as they re-open for the Tennessee Titans game tonight after closing their facilities for almost two weeks because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

“This policy will protect the health of staff, players, workers and fans from dangerous secondhand smoke and e-cigarette emissions, and we call on all professional sports venues to go smokefree and eliminate the use of all tobacco products. With this move, the Titans join a majority of the 32 NFL teams who play in a smokefree environment for their fans.

“Over a decade ago, the U.S. Surgeon General found that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and that eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect people from exposure.

“Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and heart disease and worsens existing health conditions including asthma and COPD. Everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy life, and that means having a safe sports environment free from the health harms associated with secondhand smoke from tobacco products.

“Recent evidence shows that smokers are more susceptible to severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19. In a recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, people who smoke were 2.4 times more likely to have severe symptoms from COVID-19 compared to those who did not smoke. Smokefree policies are especially important during COVID-19 because smoking compromises the use of masks and can potentially spread the virus when a person exhales.

“The Lung Association will continue to advocate for strong smokefree laws and policies. We strongly urge all public venues in Nashville to adopt a similar smokefree policy and follow their lead.”