Making your college tobacco free will help create a healthier environment for everyone on campus—free of secondhand smoke and the temptation to start or continue using tobacco. It will also help prepare students for the workforce, where a rapidly growing number of employers are making their businesses tobacco free.
Secondhand smoke, even outdoors, is a serious problem and can have immediate effects on people’s hearts and lungs. One-third of Oregon community college students say they are exposed to secondhand smoke on campus every day. For students with asthma and other health issues, this is a serious health risk and can prevent them from attending class.
If this bothers you, you’re not alone. Two-thirds of Oregon community college students say they prefer to attend a smokefree college. There already are five tobacco-free or smokefree community colleges in Oregon.
Find out what’s happening on your campus, how you can take action and use this step-by-step guide to help you create this important change on campus.
