University Smoke-Free Policy
The compelling scientific findings, as summarized by the United States Surgeon General (1986) 1 and the Environmental Protection Agency (1989 2 , 1992 3 ), indicate that the simple separation of buildings into "smoking" and "non-smoking" sections does not eliminate the unequivocal health risks that result from Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS). In light of these findings, Michigan State University is committed to eliminating harmful exposures to environmental tobacco smoke unwanted by students, faculty, staff and visitors, and adopts the following SMOKE-FREE policy.
- Smoking will not be permitted in any closed space, regardless of location, except specifically designated private residential space and hotel rooms. Smoking will not be permitted near exits and entrances of buildings, except at a reasonable distance or unless otherwise designated.*
* Reasonable Distance Guideline: Smoking is permitted outside of buildings and should be 25 feet away from exits and entrances, unless otherwise designated. - Cigarettes and other tobacco products will not be sold on university grounds.
- This smoke-free policy applies to all Michigan State University facilities and vehicles, owned or leased.
Smoking cessation programs provided by Healthy U and Olin Health Center are available to assist persons who wish to quit smoking. Questions, problems and complaints regarding this policy should be handled through existing departmental administrative channels and administrative procedures, including the Housing Options Committee. Persons found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in the same manner and magnitude as violations of other University policies.
The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All employees share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.
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Footnotes:
1Health Consequences of Involuntary Smoking: A Report of the United States Surgeon General (December, 1986). DHHS (CDC) 87-8398.
2Indoor Air Facts, No. 5: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (June 1989). United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation (ANR-445).
3Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders (December 1992). United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA/600/6-90/0067.
