Q: The policy prohibits smoking in outside areas beside building doorways,
windows, and ventilation air intakes. It allows the designation of smoking
areas if among other things the location is not a thoroughfare for nonsmokers.
Does this mean that smoking is prohibited from all walkways and paths traversed
by nonsmokers?
A: The policy was designed to minimize the amount of smoke entering confined spaces such as buildings or in crowded areas such as decks or patios adjacent to buildings. It was never meant to prohibit smoking from all outdoor areas on the chance that a nonsmoker might pass by. The prolonged exposure received by sitting in a smoke-filled room or crowded area is quite different from the brief encounter of passing a smoker on the sidewalk. Designation of smoking and no-smoking areas in outdoor locations will require careful planning. In general, smoking will be prohibited within 25 feet of building doors, windows, and air intakes. Larger patio areas further away from buildings may be divided into smoking and nonsmoking areas. The determination and posting of these areas is in progress right now, but it will be some time before the entire campus has been surveyed and clearly marked. In the meantime, it is important that we all exercise care and remain sensitive to the needs of others.
Q: Why is smoking banned in private offices?
A: Smoking in "private" offices has been the source of nearly half of all complaints by people adversely affected by cigarette smoke. There are several reasons for this. First, there really is no such thing as a private office at a public university. All office space on this campus is provided to further the educational mission of the university. No office should be isolated from interaction with members of the public -- students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Second, many of our buildings operate with recirculating air systems where smoke introduced in one room will recirculate throughout the building. Buildings where the air does not recirculate often have problems because smoke travels through open doors and windows, and even penetrates through walls. Third, the policy applies equally to all campus personnel -- faculty, staff, and students. Since we cannot afford to construct private rooms with special filters and ventilation systems for everyone, we cannot allow special provisions for a select few.
Q: How will the smoking policy be enforced? What will be done to smokers who deliberately violate the policy?
A: Enforcement is always the most difficulty part of the implementation of any new policy. The new smoking policy was enacted to protect the health of sensitive individuals and preserve the right of the nonsmoker to breathe clean air. However, nothing is ever that simple. While many smokers respect the rights of nonsmokers and do not smoke in the presence of a nonsmoker, it is not always possible to achieve that goal. Without the policy for a smoke-free environment, many campus personnel suffered, some in silence, some not so silently. We hope that the smoking population will try to understand the obligation of the university to protect personal health and welfare within the confines of what we can control. Adoption of this policy makes it an enforceable rule. Failure to follow the policy, just as with any other policy, may be cause for disciplinary action. It is expected that violations of this new policy that are brought to the attention of unit supervisors will, in the overwhelming majority of cases, be resolved by discussion, education, and negotiation. The establishment of a new smoking policy should not and does not mean the creation of a "tobacco-police" action, but rather will depend ultimately on the good will and communal sensitivity of all participants in campus life.
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Last modified October 23, 2003
Buddy Morris, Director, Environmental Health and Safety, UC Santa Cruz, bmorris@ucsc.edu.