Student Resources
Smoke-Free Campus?
Posted November 6, 2008 by admin
NMSU Alamogordo is considering options regarding moving toward a smoke-free (no smoking) campus. Possibilities include:
- Going completely smoke-free
- Designating a few “smoking areas” around campus
- Leaving things the way they are (no smoking in and within 25 feet of campus building entrances)
Campus administrators are currently seeking input concerning these possibilities. If you have an opinion, please make a comment below! Thanks.
Comments
22 Responses to “Smoke-Free Campus?”
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Please don’t make the entire campus smoke free. I vote for leaving things the way they are, or designating a smoking areas around campus. There are some of us that are here all day on certain days and don’t have a vehicle that we can go smoke in. It is not fair for us to be restricted to certain areas of the campus or to have to leave to smoke. We already don’t smoke within 25 feet of a building and that is fine with most of us. Smokers have rights too.
I agree with NOT going smoke free, I would have no problem with designated smoking areas… the only problem with the smoking areas all ready are they are not weather friendly so that moves the smokers into the non smoking areas to get out of the rain…
Agreed. I have yet to see a major problem with smokers on campus. Me personally, when I go to smoke, I am considerate of others and try not to situate myself somewhere in which people must pass through my plumes. A little common decency goes a long way, and I feel that we as adults can regulate ourselves within this context. I vote to leave the policy the way it is.
I am not a smoker. I have been in the past, long time ago. We have enough rules and should leave it alone. But we should be mindful of others in all that we do anyway. Common courtesy goes a long way.
I believe to solve this problem, we should have a smokers designated area, that has proper shelter and is weather friendly. Students will smoke regardless, but if there is a place where they can smoke and socialize, that would be beneficial to both smokers and non-smokers. Additionally, I am not a smoker and do not appreciate the second hand smoke I have to smell while walking to class.
I smoked for 28 years, but quit due to health 20 years ago. I’m also on oxygen. I think that certin areas should be designated for smokers because sometimes 25 feet away from major doors is not enough. Some people don’t know what 25 feet away is. You still have to walk through the smoke. A covered area with ashtrays would be great.
THE HEALTH OF OTHERS ARE AT STAKE WHEN PEOPLE THAT SMOKE AND POLLUTE MY AIR! IF THEY WANT TO KILL THEMSELVES LET THEM BUT DONT TAKE ME WITH THEM WHEN I HAVE TO WALK BY THEM. LOOK AT THE RESULTS OF SECOND HAND SMOKE. NO SMOKING ANYWHER ON CAMPUS
Please, give us a chance to life. We are working hard at building our future, for us, our families, the community, the nation and ultemately the world; give us a chance. The March of Dimes states while some are resillient, others are not. We are already exposed to uncontrolable pollution. If we had a choice we will go else where to be educated. We are here because we haven’t any other choice at the momment.
Secondhand Smoke Laws in the United States
More and more states are enacting laws prohibiting smoking in public places. With secondhand smoke killing 65,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. annually, it’s time to pay attention to this very real health threat.
Immediate and Long Term Benefits of “Quiting”
Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years.
20 Minutes After Quitting
Your heart rate drops.
12 hours After Quitting
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting
Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
Your lung function begins to improve.
1 to 9 Months After Quitting
Your Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 Year After Quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
5 Years After Quitting
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s 5-15 years after quitting.
10 Years After Quitting
Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s.
Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
15 Years After Quitting
Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker’s.
Need more convincing?
Compared to smokers, your…
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a person who never smoked after 5 to 15 years of not smoking
Cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus risks are halved 5 years after quitting
Cancer of the larynx risk is reduced after quitting
Coronary heart disease risk is cut by half 1 year after quitting and is nearly the same as someone who never smoked 15 years after quitting
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk of death is reduced after you quit Lung cancer risk drops by as much as half 10 years after quitting
Ulcer risk drops after quitting
Bladder cancer risk is halved a few years after quitting
Peripheral artery disease goes down after quitting
Cervical cancer risk is reduced a few years after quitting
Low birth weight baby risk drops to normal if you quit before pregnancy or during your first trimester the benefits of quitting
Secondhand smoke: Avoid dangers in the air you breathe
Breathing the toxins in secondhand smoke can literally make you sick. Find out how to avoid secondhand smoke, which can cause cancer, asthma and more.
You don’t smoke because you understand the dangers. But what about that thick cloud of secondhand smoke at your favorite restaurant? Or the smoky haze left behind by guests after an evening of partying? What about the effect of secondhand smoke on your children when smoking relatives come to visit?
These instances of secondhand smoke present health hazards comparable to smoking. High in toxic chemicals, secondhand smoke plays a role in causing or contributing to a number of health problems, from cardiovascular disease to cancer. The Surgeon General reported in 2006 that scientific evidence shows there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
But secondhand smoke is often avoidable. Take steps to protect yourself and those you care about from secondhand smoke.
Toxins in secondhand smoke
What exactly is secondhand smoke? It’s two different forms of smoke from cigarettes, pipes or cigars:
Sidestream smoke comes directly from the burning tobacco product.
Mainstream smoke is smoke that the smoker exhales.
Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke, passive smoking, involuntary smoking and perhaps a more descriptive term, tobacco smoke pollution.
Regardless of what you call it, both types of secondhand smoke contain harmful chemicals — and a lot of them. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, more than 250 of which are toxic. And more than 50 of the chemicals in cigarette smoke are known or suspected to cause cancer. Included in secondhand smoke are:
Formaldehyde
Arsenic
Cadmium
Benzene
Polonium
Here are a few more chemicals in secondhand smoke that might sound familiar, along with their effects on health:
Ammonia — irritates your lungs
Carbon monoxide — reduces oxygen in your blood
Methanol — toxic when inhaled or swallowed
Hydrogen cyanide — a potent poison that interferes with respiratory function
The dangerous particles in secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. Breathing them even for a short time — as little as 20 or 30 minutes — can harm you in a variety of ways. And breathing in secondhand smoke over years can be all the more dangerous.
Health threats to adults from secondhand smoke
Health experts have recognized the relationship between secondhand smoke and health risks for decades. Research exploring these connections continues.
Some of the known or suspected health risks include:
Cancer
Secondhand smoke is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Experts believe that secondhand smoke is to blame for about 3,400 deaths from lung cancer in adult nonsmokers each year in the United States. Secondhand smoke is also linked to cancer of the nasal sinuses.
Heart disease
Secondhand smoke harms the cardiovascular system of nonsmokers in many ways. For one thing, it causes heart disease, such as a heart attack. It also damages blood vessels, interferes with circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. It’s estimated that some 35,000 nonsmokers die of secondhand smoke-related heart disease in the United States every year.
Lung disease
Chronic lung ailments, such as bronchitis and asthma, have been associated with secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also associated with chest tightness at night and feelings of breathlessness after physical activity.
Health threats to children from secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke has a marked effect on the health of infants and children. They’re more vulnerable than adults are because they’re still developing physically and generally have higher breathing rates, which means they may inhale greater quantities of secondhand smoke than adults do.
For children who live in households where someone smokes, the effects are worst during the child’s first five years, since the child may spend the bulk of that time with a smoking parent or guardian. Ironically, infants are at the highest risk of secondhand smoke from their own mothers. A child who spends just one hour in a very smoky room is inhaling as many dangerous chemicals as if he or she smoked 10 or more cigarettes. And even when parents don’t smoke at home or in the car, there can still be negative effects when children are exposed to the tobacco smoke pollution released from the clothing and hair of smoking parents.
Here’s a look at some of the main health problems in infants and children associated with secondhand smoke.
Growth and development
Women who are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of having babies of slightly lower birth weight. This can cause a host of health problems for the baby, such as cerebral palsy or learning disabilities. Women who actively smoke during pregnancy expose their developing baby to passive smoke — the chemicals may pass through the placenta — and put the baby at risk of lower birth weight.
An infant who was exposed to secondhand smoke as a developing fetus may be at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Post-birth exposure to secondhand smoke from the mother, father or others in the household also increases the risk of SIDS.
Asthma and other respiratory problems
Secondhand smoke may cause asthma in children. In children who already have asthma, secondhand smoke can make episodes more frequent and more severe.
Secondhand smoke is also tied to infections of the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, especially in those younger than 6. It’s also associated with irritation of the upper respiratory tract and a small reduction in lung function.
Middle ear conditions
Children living in households with smokers are more likely to develop middle ear infections (otitis media).
How to avoid secondhand smoke
Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke takes planning. Here are some ways you can reduce or eliminate secondhand smoke in your life.
Don’t allow smoking in your home. If family members or guests want to smoke, ask them to step outside. Don’t rely on an air conditioner or an open window to clear the air. Running the air conditioner may remove the visible smoke, but it doesn’t remove the dangerous particles from circulation. An open window doesn’t provide adequate ventilation, either.
Insist that smoking restrictions be enforced in your workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, which means it’s known to cause cancer in humans. The only way to fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke is to prevent all smoking in the building. Even powerful ventilation fans don’t effectively remove secondhand smoke from the work environment.
Choose smoke-free care facilities. If you take your children to a child care provider, choose one with a no-smoking policy. The same goes for aging relatives. If they live in a long term care facility, make sure it’s smoke-free.
Don’t allow smoking in your vehicle. If someone must smoke on the road, stop at a rest stop for a smoke break outside the car.
Patronize businesses with no-smoking policies and tell the management that you appreciate the healthy air. Many restaurants and other establishments are entirely smoke-free.
When you absolutely must share a room with people who are smoking, sit as far away from them as possible.
If your spouse or partner smokes, have him or her refrain from smoking indoors, just as you would with houseguests. Encourage your partner to quit smoking.
Although I am a smoker and may sound hypocritical, I think that there should not be any smoking on campus. NMSU-A is a facilty of higher education and we should all hold ourselves to a higher standard by making an educated, well informed decision to not allow a habit that elementary students know is deadly and dangerous to all who come into contact with smoke whether it be first or secondhand. As I said before, I may sound hypocritical but NMSU-A would be a bigger hypocrite for allowing the practice of smoking to further be allowed at a facility of higher education that supports and condones an un-educated choice.
In all honesty if there were a place away from the non smoking people on campus for smokers to go it would be much better. if people do not want to be around second hand smoke then they know not to go there, also we PAY to go to school there, and some of us are there for the entire day. Smoking releases neuroepinephrines (which I know is spelled wrong) which is a natural stress reducer. I speak for most of smokers who know how stressful college life is. I believe if we have to pay to attend to go to school there we should have the right to enjoy a smoke break when we see fit. it is one of the few places left where a smoker can have some form of refuge. I say we come to an agreement, and make a place for the smokers where the non smokers are not near the second hand smoke.
I think that people who smoke have the right to do what they want to their own bodies, however I think they should keep there smoking 25 feet away from a building because their is scienfic evidence that second hand smoke is just as detrimental to ones health as it is to the one who smokes. I ask that people respect those around them and smoke at least 25 feet away from a building or in a designated smoking area.
I have never touched a cigarette, but I understand the health hazards. Please do not make the campus completely smoke-free. Smoke-free implies that disciplinary actions will be taken against those who smoke, which I cannot condone.
As a smoker, we know the risks associated with smoking, and as adults we make a conscience decision for whatever reason to smoke. I also don’t think that we should be discriminated against because of this choice we have made. America was founded partly on tobacco, please don’t take away my right to smoke.
The current system is NOT working and needs to be revised. Although there is a current rule (system-wide at NMSU) that prohibits smoking in any covered hall (such as those at the Classroom complex), people smoke there frequently. We also have designated areas that are adjacent to doors and the hallways. In other words, it is virtually impossible to avoid second-hand smoke.
We need to encourage people to stop smoking, while honoring the right of people to be as unhealthy as they please. The answer, I believe, is fairly simple: build sheltered smoking areas that are removed from typically traveled paths. This means that there will be no convenient smoking areas, but places will be available.
Studies show that the more difficult it is to smoke, the more people quit. Remote smoking areas will encourage people to stop but will allow die hard smokers to continue. We had a similar system when I was in basic training in 1966, and those of us who wanted to continue to smoke (I smoked 3.5-4 packs of non-filtered Luck Strikes a day at that time) did so.
We need safe breathing space for those of us with smoke-damaged lungs, those with other respiratory problems, and people who just find smoke offensive. At the same time, we need accommodations for those who smoke. The solution is the creation of remote designated smoking areas and enforcement.
No one has to tell you about the health risks of smoking. After all, you’ve been hearing about them for years from loved ones, friends and strangers, from the media, and even in that warning box on the back of each pack of cigarettes. You know that quitting now is the single best thing you can do for your lungs, for your heart—for your life.
For many, fear of illness, even death, is a primary motivation for quitting. And that’s fine. The key is to find the reasons to quit that mean the most to you. Maybe your motivator is to look better, to feel better, to have more jingle in your pocket. Consider the many ways that kicking the habit can kick-start your life. You’ll soon have:
Sweeter breath. Your teeth will be whiter; your breath, fresher. And you’ll be less likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay or tooth loss.
Smoother skin. Going smoke-free is one of the best ways to ward off wrinkles.
Nicer nails. Who’s yellow? Make those stained fingers and nails a mere bad memory.
A sharper sense of taste. Remember when you could really smell and taste your favorite foods? You’ll be able to, again.
Fresher scents. Your hair, clothes, house and car will smell better.
More time. Who doesn’t need more time? All those minutes once spent on cigarette breaks really do add up. Smokers spend 8 percent of their working hours on smoking rituals, the American Cancer Society estimates. Now you can spend that time getting things done more efficiently, or enjoying yourself.
A fatter wallet. Think of the thousands of dollars you’ll save—$1,600 a year on cigarettes alone for the average smoker, according to the American Cancer Society, plus more from decreased medical bills, insurance premiums and other costs.
A better feeling about yourself. You’ll know that you’re no longer exposing those around you to secondhand smoke, and if you have kids, you can feel really good that you’re setting a positive example.
How women (and babies) benefit
Need more reasons to quit? Women also reduce their risk for cervical cancer, osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and early menopause. Thinking of having a baby? Consider:
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of infertility, and promotes a healthy pregnancy, with a lower risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, infant death and low birth weight.
Your newborn’s lung function will be better, too. And the benefits will continue: Children of nonsmokers also have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, allergies, ear infections, colds and serious respiratory infections.
Feel better, be healthier
Even the health benefits of quitting smoking go beyond the big picture. Yes, it’s true that the American Cancer Society links smoking to several cancers, including 87 percent of lung cancers. But if these scary facts aren’t your best motivator, focus on the more immediate benefits: breathing easier, coughing less and having more stamina. As you find it easier to breathe, you can also breathe easy knowing that you’re reducing your risk of asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and other lung diseases as well.
Your eyes will benefit, too. Many people are unaware that smoking contributes to eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
But wait, there’s more! Smoking worsens diabetic complications such as nerve damage, and it may contribute to developing diabetes. Smoking is also linked to heartburn, ulcers, liver damage, Crohn’s disease, kidney damage, dementia, depression, anxiety and many other disorders. Trying to prevent such conditions is yet another reason to give up cigarettes.
And your heart will thank you. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of arterial disease, heart attack and stroke.
It’s also one of the best ways to add years to your life.
Where else in life can you win so much by being a quitter?
Well, people are supposed to be at least 25 feet away from buildings now, and they often are not. Making designated areas is going to be no different. They don’t obey the laws now, what makes anyone think they will smoke in their designated areas? If they weren’t in a designated smoking area there should be a fine to pay. But, I think there should just be no smoking period on campus. They are not only killing themselves, they are also endangering the health of others around them. There is nothing more disgusting then walking by someone and having a cloud of smoke smack you in the face. If they need to smoke so bad and they are on campus the “entire day” they should just go smoke in their car and pollute their own air. And for those that dont have a car there…well then just walk across the street and smoke in the parking lot. If you so desperately need to smoke, you should be wllling to walk to a place where you can enjoy your smoke, but you aren’t hurting others. College is supposed to be about higher education, and smoking is not an educated choice.
enough already! smokers have rights too! we should not have to hide everytime we want a smoke. i can understand not wanting to be around secondhand smoke indoors but come on outdoors 25 feet from doors in enough. if you dont want to smoke fine but ive had more then enough of prohabition!
I know I do not speak for many students but I am currently pregnant and my pregnancies are risky. I cannot walk from one class to another without running through a cloud of smoke. The way the classes are organized and where everyone smokes is definately a problem for me. And 20 feet does not give ample time for the smoke to rise or disipate before reaching walkways and doorways. I would of course prefer there to be no smoking on campus but at the very least I hope for the designated smoking areas to be either behind the buildings on the East side of campus or the parking lots and not in the patio area where the most traffic of people occurs. I realize our school is trying to be conscious of the rights of smokers but I hope they also consider people in delicate conditions such as pregnancy, athsma, allergies or other. I know smokers have their rights but I’m also sure that they care about the special health needs of other people too. Like I said before, I may not be speaking for a large group, but I will feel better knowing that people in these cases are also being considered in this decision making process. Thank you.
I’d also like to add that if smoking areas are designated, I’m sure as college students and adults each and every person will respect the rules enough to obey them. And if someone happens to walk by and see someone smoking where they shouldn’t, I’m sure they will be adult enough to go up to that person and respectfully remind them where the smoking areas are. Smoking is an issue where people have very strong feelings on both sides of the issue and it is also an issue where people’s rights both as smokers and non-smokers are constantly being bullied and I doubt either side fully understands each other. This is an issue that takes adult attitudes to come to an agreements upon. People have to look at things from the other perspective and understand why people feel the way they do. We need to compromise so that both sides can be comfortable, and the health needs of everyone can be met. I have to be honest when I say that deep down I am really hoping that the campus will be smoke free because I agree with a lot of the comments made here in support of that decision but I also understand that maybe it would be hard for some people who do smoke. My point here is we are adults and we are all in college to become better educated, more responsible, and proffessional and I think we should practice and express that even in this situation. I have yet to see an educated, professional response from a smoker to support their side of the issue.