Salisbury University’s Smoke-Free Campus policy took effect on Sunday, August 22. The policy applies to all individuals on the SU campus, including faculty, staff, students, parents, vendors and visitors. Click here to read the complete policy (PDF).

This policy is intended to reduce the health risks related to smoking and secondhand smoke for the campus community. Research about these effects includes a 2006 Surgeon General’s Report that stated there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in secondhand smoke may cause approximately 3,400 deaths from lung cancer and between 22,000-69,000 deaths from heart disease yearly, according to estimates from the American Lung Association. For more information visit http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/.

Last year, the American College Health Association announced its support of tobacco-free campuses. Click here to read its statement (PDF). The National Cancer Institute found that a smoke-free workplace increased the success rate of smokers attempting to quit. Workplace productivity also increased and absenteeism decreased among former smokers when compared with current smokers.