http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/156203

Specifically, in at least two instances in different parts of the country, Apple has voided the warranty and refused to provide repair service on Macintosh computers exposed to environments where cigarette smoke has been present. Calling cigarette smoke residue (tar and whatnot) inside a computer a health risk and a "biohazard," in both cases Apple customers have been denied service despite having time left on a valid warranty.

Interesting stuff! And if you ask I am a nonsmoker.

That's awesome.

That actually makes sense.

That is funny, never heard of it being that bad but I could imagine. It is actually a topic covered on the A+ Computer Technician Certification.

What happens if you spill a "beverage" on it?

I've seen apple warranties be voided for stranger reasons than this, they all had to do with biohazards, and yes, they were normally a biohazard or some sort of health risk to whoever would be working on them.
Some people do some sick shit with their computers.

Glad I don't smoke.

glad i have a PC

Having had to do some work on a computer that belonged to a chain smoker, I will say that I felt *extremely* ill after finishing. Easily the worst job I've had to do while at my current line of work. The scent just concentrates, and for someone who is allergic to cigarette smoke (as in nausea, sudden-onset migraines, asthmatic reactions), it is most definitively a biohazard.

It's not a biohazard. Please tell me we are not buying into 3rd hand smoke now when the risks of 2nd hand smoke are rather dubious. That lingering scent is as annoying but no more harmful than that noxious smelling cologne stoners wear (spiritual sky, I think?)

I could completely see how it would be nauseous and would not surprise me if it the buildup of residue does have a legitimately bad effect on electronics. I don't see a big financial incentive here, so Apple saying it's a "health risk" sounds more of a marketing or image ploy than anything.