I'd like to start off by saying that I intend this to be completely positive and objective feedback to the article about UBreathe Free in your Sept. 5th edition. I just want to present you with a different student perspective. I currently intern for Sharlynn Daun-Barnett in the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Program at Wellness Education Services and I'm an active participant in UB Against Cancer. We're best known for organizing Relay For Life, and most recently had a great success with banning the purchase of tobacco products with Campus Cash - limiting the sale of cigarettes to students at CVS and some Tops stores.
UBreathe Free, UB's smoke free, policy was created for two main reasons. First and foremost, it's geared to help non-smokers stay healthy. Many students and staff still disregard the toxic effects of secondhand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, "Secondhand smoke is classified as a 'known human carcinogen' (cancer-causing agent) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization." The illnesses associated with secondhand smoke include asthma and asthma-related problems, heart disease and lung cancer (all in people who are current non-smokers). According to UB's National College Health Assessment Survey (2010), 88 percent of our students do not smoke. We are working to create a campus culture that eliminates exposing them to the cancer causing chemicals in tobacco.
Secondly, the smoke-free policy is part of UB's greater sustainability plan. According to UB Facilities, when the designated smoking areas still existed, there were hardly any cigarettes in the ash receptacles. People constantly disposed of their cigarette butts on the ground. With the UBreathe Free policy in action, people are less inclined to be spotted smoking near the buildings and littering there. We also have community service events throughout the year, such as "Kickin' Butt," to rid the campus of the cigarette butts littered on the ground.
The purpose of the UBreathe Free policy isn't to force smokers to quit. Although we definitely support those who have the initiative to quit through our weekly walk-in clinics and monthly workshops, since it is a serious health problem. Also, the punishment geared towards those who smoke near the buildings is a common misconception throughout the campus. The policy isn't about punishment at all. In fact, there is no formal enforcement mechanism at this time. UBreathe Free is really about respecting others around you and the environment.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at yasminee@buffalo.edu. I would be happy to meet with you!
Best,
Yasmine El-Gohary
ATOD Intern, Wellness Education Services
Vice President, UB Against Cancer
Letters to the Editor are only edited for AP Style.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
