Petition for the University of Alberta to become Smoke-Free

We, the undersigned, agree that a campus-wide smoking ban should be implemented at the University of Alberta.

Background Information:

University is a community of higher learning and health promotion. We need to keep up with our highly recognized reputation according to a healthy, safe, and respectful environment for the university’s students and staff. Our mission aligns with the university’s goal to promote health and wellness, protecting health, preventing disease and injury, and reducing health disparities across university premises.

We are proposing a Smoke Free Campus Initiative because we believe that banning tobacco-use on university premises will help protect students, staff, and visitors from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Everyone has the individual human right to breathe clean air and protect themselves from cancer and other related diseases associated with tobacco.

According to a 2011 Health Assessment, 7.2% of UofA students smoke, if smoking is defined as using cigarettes at least once within a 30 day period (ACHA-NCHA II 2011).

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. According to the World Health Organization, "only 100% smoke-free environments adequately protect from dangers of second-hand smoke" (WHO 2007). Second-hand smoke is a major, preventable contributor to acute and chronic health conditions that affect all Albertans. The predominant source of second-hand tobacco smoke among university students is outdoor exposure and non-compliance to the 5 metre rule from windows, doors, and air ventilator systems.

Smoke-free policies are associated with reductions in tobacco consumption, reduction in the number of people who become tobacco users, and with an increase in successful tobacco cessation (Thompson et al. 2007).

Smoke-free policies reduce cigarette butt litter and air pollution.

Smoke-free policies promote a more friendly environment for those with asthma or other chronic lung or heart conditions that intensify the need to avoid second-hand smoke.


Citations:

American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: University of Alberta Executive Summary Spring 2011. Linthicum, MD: American College Health Association; 2011.
Thompson, B., Coronado, G., Chen, L., L. Thompson, A., Halperin, A., Jaffe, R., McAfee, T. and S.M. Zbikowski. Prevalence and Characteristics of Smokers at 30 Pacific Northwest Colleges and Universities. Nicotine Tob Research (2007) 9 (3): 429-438.
World Health Organization. Only 100% smoke-free environments adequately protect from dangers of second-hand smoke. Press release, Geneva: 2007. Accessed 02/15/12. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2007/pr26/en/index.html

View Signatures without signing