The plan for a smoke-free campus would effectively ban smoking cigarettes on campus, has drawn support and opposition from many in the campus community. The proposal was presented to the Senate Executive Committee of the University Senate in February and is currently under review by the Senate’s Campus Affairs Committee. No word has yet to emerge on if or when the proposal will be put to a vote.
The plan faces opposition from many, including the Graduate Student Government, who recently passed a resolution against the plan.
The GSG's resolution states that while they support education and other efforts to help people stop smoking and prevent others from stopping, the GSG notes several policies already in place to protect non-smokers. Specifically, smoking is prohibited inside all campus buildings as well as within a 15-foot zone around buildings, and it’s notable that those 15-foot zones are rarely enforced. It also states that many graduate students work long hours with only short breaks, preventing them from leaving campus, smoking a cigarette, and returning.“Smoking is a legal activity and should be considered a personal choice if engaged in away from others,” the resolution states, adding that “the GSG encourages all initiatives to educate students, staff, and faculty on the dangers of smoking.”
Those supporting the plan include our own Dr. Pamela Clark, a research professor in the Center for Health Behavior Research and an expert in the health impacts of tobacco products. According to Dr. Clark, secondhand smoke is often times more harmful to “mainstream” smoke—even in small amounts.
“There is no safe level of exposure,” Dr. Clark said in a recent email. “Cigarette smoke is among the most toxic compounds a person can be exposed to in the environment.”
She continues, “There is also the problem of thirdhand smoke. When smoke particles and vapors are deposited on surfaces, they stay there and can off-gas toxins for very long periods of time. So even though a smoker has just passed through an area, not having direct contact with another person, that person can still be involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke toxins.”
Dr. Clark thinks that campus wide smoking bans are feasible—140 campuses currently are completely smoke-free, including all the universities in the Pennsylvania state system—and offer benefits for smokers and non-smokers alike.
“Non-smokers will not be exposed involuntarily to toxic compounds in secondhand or thirdhand smoke, and smokers will be more likely to quit or not accelerate their smoking,” Dr. Clark said. “Smoking bans also help to denormalize smoking, making it less likely for younger people to start.”
Student Jamie Lok also supports the proposal, saying "As a student, I think a campus-wide smoking ban is a step in the right direction for the UMD and conveys a strong health message to those in the community," adding that "It is imperative that we take steps to protect the health of those who go to school, work and visit the University."
Lok cited that in October 2008, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) instituted a smoke-free policy on their Bethesada campus, strictly prohibiting the use of tobacco products.
“The research has clearly identified that: tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in this country and second hand smoke is a known cancer causing agent,” states the NIH policy (http://tobaccofree.nih.gov/
What do you think? Is the plan feasible? What other ways could we improve the air quality on campus (e.g., close campus to vehicles)? Leave a comment, discuss this with your friends, or drop me a line at rmcmahon at umd dot edu if you’d like to share your thoughts via a guest blog post.
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For more, read the Diamondback's coverage of the smoking ban proposal at this link and at this link.
I think this could work if properly implemented. I know my work a couple years ago banned smoking at work. But they did it in conjunction with offering a "tobacco cessation" class that helped people who wanted to quit. As in their effort to lower costs and keep people healthy they also purchased bikes for people to ride between buildings with. I believe the initiative has helped, but it didn't stop people who did not want to quit smoking they just go outside of the work property and smoke.
ReplyDeleteI think too many times, people focus on the rights of the smokers who are getting banned from smoking in public places, and not on the non-smokers who's rights are getting violated every time they are in a public place that allows smoking and they have to put up with it. I say ban it ANYWHERE that it infringes upon the rights of non-smokers!
ReplyDeleteWhat does the campus feel about electronic or "vapor" cigarettes? Many people, like myself, have made that switch. They have no odor, no waste, and truly can be smoked anywhere. I was curious what the campus had in mind regarding them, because they certainly are rising in popularity.
ReplyDeleteSmoking in public places can hardly be termed legal. It is somewhat akin to drunken driving. Secondary smoke contains more carcinogens that can be very harmful. A smoker harms others who are around him too apart from himself.
ReplyDeleteYeah, smoking is really bad. You don't know how risky your life already is. People can quit smoking, that is, If they are willing to. It's hard to shut that hobby but the thing is, our wealth is our only possession. And why not try another stuff llike this Prepaid Legal Opportunity. For a change though.
ReplyDeleteA smoking ban could cause a problem among smokers, unless they find an easy way to quit smoking before the ban takes effect.
ReplyDeleteIt's really beneficial to have a smoke-free campus, so hopefully everyone will be onboard with this.
considering the effects of smoking on health why should it be easy? the only function smoking seems to have is that it supplements tax revenues - which are then outdone by health costs. If smokers have a problem with a ban there's an easy option - stop smoking.
ReplyDeleteThis proposal of course have pros and cons. 100% approval for non-smokers and 100% refusal from smokers. (Does that make sense?) In anyway, I think allocating certain smoking area in the campus will both address the issue. This would give smokers their smoking space and at the same time non-smokers will continue to enjoy most of the areas in the campus smoke free. However, if total ban on smoking will be implemented, considering quitting smoking would be a good start if you want to stay in the perimeter of the campus. Or else, you have to find other campus where they accept smokers.
ReplyDeleteThe most life-enhancing decision a smoker can make is to quit as soon as possible. This type of policy helps people to make the decision and certainly helps them to cut down.
ReplyDeleteSmoking bans can help a smoker quit faster since there would be less temptation for him/her.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the implementation of smoking bans on campuses. First and foremost because it exposes the general population of the campus to carcinogenic smoke. Secondly, bad effects of smoking is very well known among smokers but they keep on smoking. Third, it burns the hard earned money of the student's parents. And fourth, it adds up to garbage generated in the campus. Banning smoking in the perimeter of the campus would solve or at least lessen the above stated concerns. For those who really can't give up smoking, they can still smoke but not in the campus ground. Or I was thinking if campus authorities would be little considerate and allow use of e-cigarette such as blu cig and all others. This type of cigarette does not have second hand smoke, no odor, no ashes. But allowing this would create another problem: how to identify people smoking using e-cigarette from the traditional tobacco stick from a distance? Maybe they should just implement the ban no excuses.
ReplyDeleteCancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world today. Millions of people have it but medical science has yet to figure out how to treat this terminal illness. A lot of concoctions and purported treatment protocols have come out in the market claiming they can cure cancer. We must be stron to fight this cancer
ReplyDeleteYeah there should be ban
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Smoking is bad for you, kids. Why do you want a cancer stick in your mouth? This ban is good, we should have more such bans nation wide :)
ReplyDeleteSome sensible people in the 27 European member states are set to advise a European-wide smoking ban. At last, sense could prevail and passive smoking for all those unwilling to harm themselves could be a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteFinally! Smoke free world that's what i say. The thing with smoking todays modern cigs, is that it is causing more then just the individual damage for the person smoking, as to manufacture this cancer sticks takes the co-op of so many industrys. another thing is that it is simply not enviourmant friendly at all. Those buds are simply there for the next million yers.
ReplyDeletelast but not least, i want to recommand vegetables nutrition blog, that promotes well being, the right nutrition and health.
Be Healthy! Stop smoking.
As students, we are the future of this country, and the decisions we make now will effect everyone, in the entire world! be aware. please.
Thanks :)
Like many matters everywhere, there are two points of views. For smokers who thinks they are getting banned from their own society of choosing to smoke and there is a point of view of non-smokers. I guess those are more radical about their opinion because they feel intimadated for the smoke. Well, opinions are different and most of the times we have to accept an opinion different from us. I do not smoke and particularly like when they make areas free from smoke but I know the world is not mine and I have to respect the ones who has differeents habits than mine.
ReplyDeleteSmokers should understand the harm they cause on their bodies and make a personal decision to quit smoking in the best way possible.Share with a friend on what you are about to do and request him or her to always remind you on the same and follow your progress.
ReplyDeleteI agree with ivy there should be a a smoking area not in the campus outside the campus if you really want to smoke go out.
ReplyDeleteMost people who smoke are afraid that they cannot quit, that cigarettes are more effective than they’re. Really this is fear from the fear, simply because if you’re nonetheless cigarette smoking, how can you know that it is hard with out cigarettes? That is a result from your behavior that is controlling you so a lot that it won t allow you to envision how existence can appear like with out cigarette smoking. That is partially true, you love the time spent with yourself in that moment. But the cigarette will burn after two minutes, so why light it within the first place? She ll burn but the pleasure will only last for two minutes. It’ll last for two minutes and only two minutes. No more. This conditioning will carry on till you’re courageous enough to interrupt this sample.
ReplyDeleteInitial factor you need to do would be to hate that you re controlled. How can you be a free human being, when someone or some thing controls you? This should be the first milestone for you. The relaxation are merely techniques which will assist you substitute the cigarette smoking behavior.
You cannot stop cigarette smoking with out thinking and attempting to implement a non-smoker behavior.Right after you’re sure that you simply comprehend this, and only after you re sure, comply with these instructions
If you can maintain out with out cigarette smoking for only one moment, don t you think that you can do it within the subsequent moment? Certain you can. You ought to battle the craving by the moment. It is a a lot shorter time period to fight your battle and acquire. This makes the war all that a lot simpler.
Thank you
but it is said what is prohibited - people want more...
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI am agreed with some of people here who just have given the idea to ban smoking everywhere.But the question is that, if a person who like to drink can drink in the public but a person who smokes can smoke in the public?
Hello, My name is Izoel, I agree about banning smoking on campus, because it can damage health, and cause negative effects to other students, so the senate here must work hard to make it happen by internet
ReplyDeleteYes, this must have been actually implemented and adhered to by all levels of society. This effort to maintain health throughout the world. nice posting ~ Kesehatan Remaja
ReplyDeleteInteresting... well thats how it works these days... Thanks for the article. This might help you : withdrawal smoking
ReplyDeleteLove the smoking ban. Best thing to happen in a while.
ReplyDeleteIf it's only the experience that s|he can survive without smoking, any smoker will benefit from it. And s|he will find it much more natural to quit smoking completely.
ReplyDeleteWith all the adverse effects smoking has (over 170,000 deaths of lung cancer each year)you would think people act in their own best interest when they either give up or never start smoking.
From the legal point of view I agree with all those who express that basically the rights of an individual end where the rights of one or more other individuals are infringed.
And yes, it's a personal victory to give up smoking and it can be done and it's not hard. I did it and I'm so glad I did.
Hi, just sharing that's where the policy seems to strike a nerve with people on campus. Because some people use smoking to soothe frayed emotions and stressful situations, concerns have been raised that smokers who are dealing with a sick family member or friend won't be able to calm down or de-stress. by marketing
ReplyDeleteThe State of Maryland should follow the lead of these jurisdictions, and improve the public health and environment by prohibiting tobacco use in public parks and recreation areas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for nice post, move power !
ReplyDeleteA smoking ban would definately be a good idea. Very hard to implement but doable. Good Luck
ReplyDeleteI hate smokers
ReplyDeleteThe smoking ban has impacted the way that Americans spend their time out at restaurants, bars and night clubs. For some, the smoking ban has been all good, while for others, the ban was really impacted them negatively. This article discusses the good, the bad and even the "ugly" facts about the smoking ban that you may not have heard before!
ReplyDeletethis is a good sign. it will help young people to quite smoking.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a wider extent of smoking ban. People are getting more and more toxins on their bodies and some the those harmful toxins do not spring from the food they eat but from the smokes they have inhaled from smokers.
ReplyDeleteSmoking have pros and cons. It's really bad for our health. I actually saw a video about lungs f people who smoke and it really scares me. It's never too late to quit.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really beneficial to have a smoke-free campus, so hopefully everyone will be onboard with this.
ReplyDeleteThe plan for a smoke-free campus would effectively ban smoking cigarettes on campus, has drawn support and opposition from many in the campus community.
ReplyDeleteThis should be strictly imposed. As I've learned second cigarette smoke is actually more dangerous to surrounding persons than the original smoker
ReplyDeleteIn a school second hand smoke is a lot of threat
I am a non-smoker and personally I feel there should be designated smoking zones where people should be allowed to smoke. There should huge fines for smoking in public and anywhere outside the designated zones.
ReplyDeleteOr they all should be put in to a Quit Smoking Program
A smoke-free world would be wonderful, and it will happen, step by step, so I wholeheartedly agree with a smoking ban wherever it can happen.
ReplyDeleteI have asthma, and while I can control it through proper breathing exercises most of the time, as soon as I encounter some thoughtless person smoking, I struggle to avoid an asthma attack.
John (webmaster of a cure for asthma).
I smoke, but it is something I do away from non-smokers. I don't feel though that a complete ban is justified, smoking away from other people in the open air is not harming anyone except myself. On the other hand if the majority say no then the minority have to face that and deal with it.
ReplyDeleteGoing smoke free on your campus can only bring benefits for all. You may well get some people quitting as a result. Smoke inside a building is highly toxic. Even smoking outside can be distressing for non-smokers who are nearby - they get assailed by clouds of slip-stream smoke which is extremely unpleasant and unhealthy. stop smoking while you're young and you won't have to suffer the ill effects of being a sad, ageing smoker! In so many ways, its really not cool to smoke!
ReplyDeletethere is only thing I can say: If you are dying to smoke, please, die outside! If you can't, you can smoke. Just make sure it is not inhaled by non-smokers and stay as far away as you can from these non-smokers!
ReplyDeleteI dont think the entire campus should go smoke free. There should be designated areas where smoking is allowed.
ReplyDeleteAs a personal trainer in Maryland (Columbia Md) I am all for the smoking ban. I can not imagine why anyone that is at all concerned with their own health would still want to smoke.
ReplyDeleteAnyone trying to quit should give weight training a serious try. You would be amazed at what you can overcome once your body learns how to push itself.
David Johnston
Personal Trainer Columbia MD
What about students that live on campus?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, you can't make a smoker to quit just like that with a ban. He will smoke no matter what, with ban or without it. Indeed the bad think is that the non smokers we inhale more toxin then them... But they should have a far, far way area that they are allowed to smoke.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I started smoking when I went to college.....then, when I tried to quit, I couldn't....thankfully I quit finally and would hope the ban is enforced!
ReplyDeleteSmoking should be banned in the whole campus!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning that 60 years after medical research conclusively showing the ill effects of smoking that we are still discussing the need to ban it in public areas.
ReplyDeleteThe Smoking Ban should be implemented. This will help people prevent from acquiring diseases that trigger by this thing.
ReplyDeletewhatever happened to the smoking and non smoking zones? they use to work perfectly
ReplyDeleteSmoking should be banned not only in the campus but all over the world.
ReplyDeletenow we ve got electronic cigarrates,
ReplyDeleteuse it as alternative
Banning smoking from campuses is a positive move for the vast majority, and is definitely sending a strong message that the health of the staff and students is paramount. Unfortunately however there will always be some that will be inconvenienced by this, such as those working long hours with short breaks as mentioned above. While it would be the ideal solution for all smokers to quit, that is unlikely to happen in the near future, given that smoking is still legal and is highly addictive. Until such time as the manufacture of cigarettes is banned altogether, it is unlikely that you will be able to please everyone with the decision, one way or the other. There are anti-smoking campaigns worldwide, and as others have pointed out, cafes, bars, etc are all moving in the direction of non-smoking so it seems responsible for educational institutions to follow suit.
ReplyDeletecoming from a non-smoker i see t both ways. however i cannot say i want students walking around my beautiful campus stinking up the air with cigarettes,
ReplyDeleteYes smoking is a personal choice and legal as long as you stay away from the public. I fully support GSG's policies and personally i find it pretty reasonable for both smokers and non-smokers. However the 15 foot zone away from the public places is a bit questionable since its rarely reinforced. I think they should also introduced some way to quit smoking like nicotine gums and electric cigarettes.
ReplyDeletethere is only thing I can say: If you are dying to smoke, please, die outside! If you can't, you can smoke. Just make sure it is not inhaled by non-smokers and stay as far away as you can from these non-smokers!
ReplyDeleteWhile I respect each person's right to make the choice to smoke, I would prefer to see a campus wide ban. Or, at least extend the 15 foot rule to something much farther, say 50 feet. There's no disputing that second hand smoke is harmful so why not put some serious distance between the people who prefer not to smoke and the smokers?
ReplyDeleteI think it's really beneficial to have a smoke-free campus
ReplyDeleteI applaud the schools and government for trying to rid the world of smoking, considering the dangers, however, it troubles me at how insensitive all are to people who were raised in a pro-smoking society. Many people who were raised in the 50's, 60's and 70's were promoted to smoke. It was the social thing to do. Then, after getting hooked, these otherwise productive members of society are getting shunned as if they were criminals. Some middle ground should be found. We need more understanding and tolerance and less rules and punishment.
ReplyDeleteHi, I what was the verdict on the smoking ban? I know I started smoking in college and maybe would have not found it so easy to start had there been a ban in place at my university
ReplyDeleteI am as anti-smoking as anyone. I think it's a terrible habit, and what's more, most people who smoke agree. Having said that, smoking is a personal choice. People who do so outside are not infringing on people's health any more than someone listening to a radio outside at a reasonable volume is infringing on their ears.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why there are still tons and tons of people who keep on smoking where they already know that smoking does no good in our health. I think it's a choice of whether you want to keep your life longer or you want to die in early time... It's all your choice though!!!
ReplyDelete