Why Tobacco-free?
Tobacco-free campus policies protect the health and safety of SJSU's students, faculty, staff and visitors by eliminating secondhand smoke on campus. Everyone will breathe easier, and this will ensure equal access for individuals most vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke exposure, such as those with asthma and allergies. Additionally, by adopting a 100 percent tobacco-free policy, SJSU will: Promote clean air, a healthy environment and healthy behavior choices; Save money and staff time spent cleaning cigarette litter by eliminating butts and other tobacco waste on campus; Prepare students for tobacco-free work environments (e.g., hospitals, K-12 schools, etc.); Prevent students from initiating smoking; Encourage tobacco users to quit or decrease use; Support those who have already quit using tobacco.
Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Trends
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable and premature death, accounting for an estimated 443,000 American deaths in the United States each year, or one out of every five deaths. In order to counter the negative effects of tobacco on the college population, the American College Health Association (ACHA) has recommended that all colleges and universities adopt a 100 percent tobacco-free campus policy. In California, 102 public colleges and universities have significantly stronger policies than California State Law (no smoking within 20 feet of buildings).
The University of California system, including 10 educational campuses and five medical hospitals, has been 100 percent tobacco-free since January 1, 2014 (including e-cigarettes and other nicotine products not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA). College campuses, as well as cities and counties across the state, are updating the policy definitions of "smoking" to include the operation of electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes) and "smoke" to include vapor emitted from e-products. Nationally, approximately 1,182 colleges are 100 percent smoke-free, including large universities such as the University of Kentucky, University of Michigan and the University of Oregon.
