The Oracle

Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Opinion

Walking across South Patio the other day, I took a deep breath, glad my nose and lungs were full of crisp winter air instead of burning tobacco. As a non-smoker, the tobacco ban on campus means no more holding my breath as I dash through a cluster of smokers on my way to class.

But the ban was not created just for my breathing pleasure. It was implemented because tobacco is a substance that is a health hazard and has no place on campus (except of course, personal vehicles, and I would suggest keeping the windows rolled up).

People over the age of 18 have every right to purchase, chew, and smoke tobacco. But the university also has a right to limit where on campus tobacco is allowed. Many colleges have banned tobacco on their campuses in the past few years. According to USA Today, the number of schools with a total smoking ban has tripled since 2007.

Tech has made this move in efforts to make the campus and its students healthier. Aren't people always complaining that the university doesn't care about student? Well here is proof that it does.

An activity such as smoking does not affect the user alone. Secondhand smoke affects all of those close by, not to mention leaves a smoky smell lingering in the air and on personal items. If a smoker doesn't mind the unhealthy habit, it can pursue it where it doesn't interfere with everyone else's learning atmosphere.

Earlier rules already banned smoking around buildings, specifically 25 feet away from doorways so others could come and go without unwillingly inhaling secondhand smoke. This rule was not always followed by some, which is perhaps why there is now a stricter ban.

It will also be effective in reducing a particular type of litter on campus. I know there are plenty of smokers who are courteous enough to not toss their cigarette butts on the ground, but a lot do.

What is it that makes a discarded butt less of a crime than a candy wrapper or paper cup? Nothing. And the ban will reduce cigarette butts littered on the steps of dorms and across South Patio.

I know I have been focusing more on smokers than chewers, and that's because it's the smoke that sticks to my clothes and irritates my nose. But both are unhealthy habits, and the university does not have to accommodate for it.

I can only hope the ban will help some smokers and chewers break their habits before their health suffers further. In case you haven't heard, tobacco use is hazardous to your health.

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