Smoking Policy Changes At UVic
Effective September 1, 2007, the University of Victoria is improving air quality and reducing the effects of second-hand smoke on campus by prohibiting smoking within 10 metres of buildings and structures, including outdoor patios, stadium areas, bus stops, fountains and bike shelters. This policy change is consistent with local and provincial “clean air” regulations.
“The university is committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment for students, employees and visitors,” says Peter Sanderson, associate vice president, human resources. “Smoking has been prohibited in all university buildings and vehicles for some time, and we are now responding to staff and student requests to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke near buildings.”
The policy change was supported by a 13-member task force made up of UVic staff, student, management and union representatives.
Medical evidence indicates that exposure to second-hand smoke is hazardous to health and can cause disease, including lung cancer, in healthy non-smokers.
Resources for students, faculty and staff who want to quit smoking are available through UVic Health Services and the UVic Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment. For more information visit the websites at http://health.uvic.ca/self-help/smoking.html or http://ohs.uvic.ca/healthpromotion/smoking.html.
“The university is committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment for students, employees and visitors,” says Peter Sanderson, associate vice president, human resources. “Smoking has been prohibited in all university buildings and vehicles for some time, and we are now responding to staff and student requests to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke near buildings.”
The policy change was supported by a 13-member task force made up of UVic staff, student, management and union representatives.
Medical evidence indicates that exposure to second-hand smoke is hazardous to health and can cause disease, including lung cancer, in healthy non-smokers.
Resources for students, faculty and staff who want to quit smoking are available through UVic Health Services and the UVic Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment. For more information visit the websites at http://health.uvic.ca/self-help/smoking.html or http://ohs.uvic.ca/healthpromotion/smoking.html.
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Media contacts
Peter Sanderson (Human Resources) at 250-721-8031 or psanders@uvic.ca