Is It Safe to Smoke Indoors? The Big Question After the Golden Globes
Several readers have reached out and asked us about the incident at Sunday’s 2026 Golden Globes. The crux of each question, is it safe to smoke indoors? Or as it’s been put most often, if Sean Penn can do it, why can’t I?
For those unaware, actor Sean Penn was photographed smoking a cigarette at his table inside the Beverly Hilton during the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony. He was seated near Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson.
This really happened, and in some of the circulating shots, you can even see smoke hanging in the air while people around him are still seated.
So, is it safe to smoke indoors? The answer is no.
Is it safe for the people around you, if you smoke indoors? Again, the answer is no.
Danger 1: Secondhand smoke
Let’s start off with the impact on the air when in close proximity, especially indoors.
Secondhand smoke is a mix of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the person smoking. This smoke carries toxic chemicals.
The CDC says there’s no safe amount of secondhand smoke exposure, and that it can have immediate harmful effects on the heart and blood vessels. Thus raising risks tied to heart disease and stroke.
Danger 2: Smoking indoors
The next thing to consider is how long the smoke can linger in a room.
Data from the CDC shows that smoke from one cigarette can stay in a room for hours. You may think that solutions like opening a window, running fans, using air conditioning, or purifiers will help, but they do not get rid of secondhand smoke.
The EPA adds that smoke easily moves between rooms and even between apartments when smoking indoors. Ventilation or filtration may reduce smoke levels overall, nothing eliminates them fully.
Danger 3: Thirdhand smoke
Many people are unaware of thirdhand smoke, but this is the residue leftover that sticks to surfaces, including carpets, couches, curtains, walls, etc. This sticks long after a cigarette is put out.
The Mayo Clinic states that this residue can include nicotine and other chemicals. Some of which are linked to cancer risks. The reality is, this residue can linger long after the smell fades.
Danger 4: Smoking is bad for your
This one is obvious and well covered by countless health agencies. Smoking, whether indoors or out, is bad for you.
It can damage your lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can lead to numerous chronic illnesses, making it easier for someone to get sick. For example, it can strain your heart and blood vessels, raising your risk for heart disease and stroke over time.
Smoking can raise your risk of cancer too.
You may cough more. You may get out of breath sooner and as you age, it impacts skin, teeth, even your voice.
The safest option indoors
Venues no longer tolerate smoking indoors. It’s recommended to follow suit at home, as that’s the safest move.
A few practical steps that may help:
- Keep all smoking outside, away from open doors and windows.
- Don’t rely on just one room for smoking. Smoke travels.
- If you’re in an apartment or condo, assume neighbors can be affected too.
If quitting is a goal, CDC guidance points to free coaching, and even long-time smokers can benefit as support improves the odds.
The elephant in the room
Not only is indoor smoking a health risk, it’s also generally not allowed in many indoor public settings in California.
According to the California Department of Public Health, state smokefree workplace rules apply. Therefore, hotels in California should not allow smoking anywhere indoors.
So even if a celebrity gets away with it on camera, that’s not a green light. It’s a rule break.
More About:Reader Questions