Community Policy Regarding Secondhand Smoke

Smoke-free laws began to emerge in 1995 to protect the public against the dangers of secondhand smoke. Since then, California has implemented laws that require schools, workplaces, parks, and beaches to be 100% smoke-free.

By law, colleges and universities do not have to be 100% smoke-free. However, they do need to be smoke-free to some extent. The law states: “Current California law prohibits smoking within 20-ft of a main exit, entrance, or window of a public building.” However, due to the rising awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke, many colleges and universities have implemented a 100% smoke-free policy for protection outside the parameters of what the existing law states. With progressive policies being implemented, De Anza is the one that remains in the minority amongst colleges and universities. 85 colleges in California have a 100% smoke-free policy which includes all UC and CSU campuses. De Anza campus currently has a grade of 75 which equates to a C (The grading spectrum ranges from A+ to F.) The grade C is attributed to the fact that we allow smoking in the parking lots, and allow the usage of e-cigarettes. Perhaps the designated policy could be too lenient. The parking lot, (where the bus stop is also located), is where most student and staff traffic occurs, and where students arrive and walk to their first class.

The current policy only allows smoking in the parking lot, which happens to be where students and staff park first to enter the school. Students who arrive by bus also may be exposed while walking through the parking lot to class. Providing a safe, healthy environment to learn is the foundation of De Anza; and adopting a smoke-free campus can be a positive move in the long run for the college!

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The Data:

A report by API-CHAT shows that 69%~ 70% of De Anza students who participated in the survey reported being exposed to secondhand smoke and 15% of respondents specifically identified having an allergy or sensitivity such as asthma that was triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke or vape. Figures are added below.

In all, De Anza is falling behind as many California community colleges and universities now have a 100% smoke-free policy. A 100% smoke-free policy is imperative in protecting students' health and is especially important for those who are sensitive or allergic to smoke.

If you or someone you may know is struggling to quit smoking please educate them on the dangers and refer them to an appropriate cessation program. Resources for more information please refer to the links below.

Need help quitting?

Kick It California- A free proven resource to help those struggling quit. Resources include a free coach to create, implement, and quit for good.

:https://kickitca.org

References:

Secondhand Smoke Is Toxic and Poisonous - CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/2006/pdfs/shs-toxic.pdf.

Smoking. - De Anza College

https://www.deanza.edu/policies/smoking.html.

“California’s Statewide Smoke-Free Air Laws & Restrictions.” California Department of Public Health.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/CTCB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Policy/SecondhandSmoke/SHSLawsBrochure.pdf?TSPD_101_R0=087ed344cfab2000e61ae3a176f9976822bb8862161282f94436620440f224119864b3fb04cd32c608d5e4ce11143000f8834527ec3f96388350ae4ad287071acfd6fe7027c6ddf4c41fecc17b06dc1f3a266dcd2dbed62ed9311a6affa12ef1

California College & University Smoke/Tobacco-Free Policy Report ... - UCOP. https://www.ucop.edu/safety-and-loss-prevention/_files/smoke-free/ca-tobacco-free-college-report-card-2018.pdf.

You may read more about the logistics of smoke-free policies at CDPH.ca.gov. **