Sunday, June 12, 2011
Designated Smoking Areas at UH Hilo
For the past three years of attending the university the number of people that smoke has increased while the space and area provided for them as decreased. Most of these smoking designated areas on campus are too close to public walk way areas and buildings were students are often exposed to second hand smoking. I will start off by saying that I am asthmatic , since moving to Hilo many factors contribute to trigger it such as, the weather and the infamous vog from the volcano just to name a few. However there are other factors that trigger my asthma that can be easily be prevented such as second hand smoke. The University states in their catalog "in order to improve the working environment of the university and protect faculty, staff, students, and visitors from second hand smoke exposure". The Smoke free law was passed in 2006, in which " smoking within 20 feet of doorways, windows and ventilation intakes for the prevention of second hand smoke drifting into enclosed areas". the University should map out designated area around campus and make sure that the criteria's are followed. Lets not over look this issue and let's see what we can do as a community and as a university to move forward to push for a stronger, safer, and healthier learning environment for all to enjoy.
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It is interesting that the number of smokers is in inverse proportion to smoking places. I don’t smoke and cigarette smoke is bothering me. Although university regulates a smoking place, second hand smoking is still problem. I agree with your propose to live more healthier college life.
ReplyDeleteThat is really true because even second hand smoke can also cause lung cancer or other problems. I did research and found out that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes and those that are exposed to second hand smokes can easily be exposed to these chemicals as well. I used to smoke and I think that smokers should also be granted their freedom to smoke because it is their choice, but I agree that there should be areas that are designed to smoke without putting the non-smokers at risks. Nice topic!
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree your possession on such serious issue most students are facing these days especially here at the University. This topic reminds me at K-building because every time i got out of class and walked beside library ist floor i always hold my breath due to smoke. In such a close distance between the boundary of a classroom and smoking area, nonsmokers are most likely to be affected by and something has to be done. "Its killing us.
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ReplyDeleteAs an asthmatic myself, i have also been affected by smokers around campus. I often didn't need to worry about carrying around my asthma pump. However, as i became a college student that often passes by smokers when walking to my classes, carrying around my asthma pump became a need for me. I agree that this is a health concern that the university should address. Because by doing so as you've mentioned, the university will provide a much health learning environment for college students.
ReplyDeleteI like this but frankly, I think there needs to be areas for smokers but also people just need to have common courtesy and try to blow down wind. I too have slight asthma but it is more from allergens rather than ciggarette smoke but the smokes does bother me as well. I think that perhaps if they made these smoking places on campus not so close to actual common areas that many people wish to enjoy smoke free.
ReplyDeleteYes this is interesting. It seems most people gather around the library area to smoke because it is a nice hang out area. I think if they wish to be successful in preventing second hand smoke they'll have to design the location carefully. Making the smoking area connected and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteyour topic is kind of related to my topic I think. I always had a problem that even though there is a dormitary policy, young teenagers are smoking cigaretts or weeds in their rooms, and it causes second hand smoking to everybody who is using the hall ways. I really think smoking areas should be clearly insisted and noticed by every student of UHH.
ReplyDeleteYup! There should be more smoking areas. I'd say a betelbut spot too. Sorry, but I just can't handle the spitting in my classes and around me...this should be a policy too!
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