University Business Policies and Procedures Manual

2250
SMOKING ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
Effective Date: June 1, 1997
Revised Date:  02/01/07, 08/01/07
Subject to Change Without Notice

1. General

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) has been shown, through research and field studies, to be a harmful air pollutant containing over 4,000 chemicals, including more than 50 that are known to cause cancer. The National Toxicology Program estimates that at least 250 chemicals in secondhand smoke are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.  Exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and other respiratory problems in nonsmoking adults and children, and the Surgeon General has concluded there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, even small amounts can be harmful to an individual's health.  In light of this information, smoking of tobacco products is prohibited in University buildings, facilities, vehicles, and during organized indoor and outdoor events on University property, unless otherwise authorized by the University President. Smoking is also prohibited in all outdoor areas of UNM Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC) owned or operated facilities as of August 1, 2007.

Described herein are policies and procedures designed to reduce the hazards of ETS to nonsmokers and to comply with the New Mexico Dee Johnson  Clean Indoor Air Act, House Bill 48, 1985 as amended. This policy also applies to other legal smoking preparations such as clove cigarettes.

2. Smoke Free Buildings

Smoking is prohibited in or at:

• all enclosed buildings and facilities including classrooms, offices, food service venues, lavatories, and most residence halls ( in accordance with Residence Life policies);
  
• corridors, elevators, and enclosed walkways;
  
• University-owned vehicles; and
  
• indoor and outdoor athletic or other University-sponsored or designated events, unless otherwise authorized by the President.

"No Smoking" signs will be posted at major entrances of all University buildings and facilities except for those campus resident halls and apartments where smoking is permitted. The University Safety and Risk Services Department will provide signs for facilities as required. Ashtrays will not be provided in any enclosed University building or facility.

3. Outdoor Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in all outdoor areas of UNM Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC) owned or operated facilities as of August 1, 2007.  Smoking is currently permitted outdoors on other University property except during designated organized events.  Individuals choosing to smoke outdoors must be a reasonable distance, of at least twenty-five (25) feet, away from doorways, open windows, enclosed walkways, and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from entering enclosed buildings and facilities. The reasonable distance required must be a distance sufficient to ensure that persons entering or leaving the building or facility shall not be subjected to breathing tobacco smoke and to ensure that tobacco smoke does not enter the building or facility through entrances, windows, ventilation systems or any other means.  Some facilities may require larger outdoor areas be restricted as indicated by signs, markings on pavement, or other written policies.

4. Education, Support Groups, and Services for Smokers

In light of the numerous adverse health effects associated with active smoking, the University will provide educational services to faculty, staff, and students about the hazards of smoking and information and services on quitting smoking. The University encourages support groups on campus for smokers in the process of cutting down or quitting smoking. In addition to consulting with their own health care providers, students, faculty, and staff may get assistance from the following University programs.

4.1. Students

Students may contact the University Student Health Center for information and programs on quitting smoking. Additional information may be obtained from the Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).

4.2. Faculty and Staff

Assistance in quitting smoking is available for faculty and staff through the University Employee Health Promotion Program and the University Employee Occupational Health Services. Additional information may be obtained from the University Counseling Assistance and Referral Service (CARS) and the Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).

5. Compliance and Cooperation

Students, faculty, and staff violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action.  Those having difficulty complying with these restrictions are encouraged to seek assistance from the resources listed in Section 4.1. and 4.2. above.

The success of reducing environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) requires thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation between smokers and nonsmokers. Individuals concerned about the presence of ETS in a building should report their concerns to their supervisor of the building coordinator. The building coordinator will work with the Safety and Risk Services Department to resolve the matter.

6. Smokeless Tobacco

Anyone who chooses to use smokeless tobacco on campus must discard the waste in a sanitary manner. Although the use of smokeless tobacco (including chewing tobacco and snuff) does not create indoor air pollution, the University recognizes the use of these products as a health hazard for the individual user. Because of the well-documented adverse health effects, students, faculty, and staff wishing to quit using smokeless tobacco are encouraged to contact the resources listed in Section 4.1. and 4.2. above.

 Comments may be sent to UBPPM@UNM.edu
http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm