Proposed smoking policy includes e-cigarette
UCC Vice President of Student Services Joyce Coleman is creating a new policy for e-cigarette use on campus.
“The e-cigarette code of conduct update will be done by the first of June,” Coleman said. Coleman explained that the policy will formally address that the e-cigarette is to be smoked only in designated areas.
UCC students who have switched to the e-cigarette to help quit smoking are positive about their switch. “Many physicians are suggesting the e-cigarette and vapor pen as a cessation device to help those smokers who cannot quit by using specialized gum or patches,” student Ursula Angel said.
Student Jakob Rummell said that after quitting regular cigarettes to go to the vapor pen he “spent three months coughing, and now I don’t cough up tar.” More students are starting to indicate plans to switch to e-cigarettes because they see them as healthier options.
Most of the campus non-smokers agreed that they are unconcerned about the policy; however, some faculty and staff are concerned about second hand smoke and have requested a policy.The e-cigarette and vapor pen, created in 2007, have become more socially accepted. These smokeless tobacco products replaced the Marlboro Man with sexy celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy pushing their odorless safe version of a cigarette. On March 2, 2015, the Oregon House passed a measure to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and vapor pens to minors. The FDA regulates e-cigarette advertisements. Audio ads use only words, no music or sound effects to decrease the risk of attracting youth. The FDA also prohibits sponsorship of any athletic, musical, social or cultural event, along with prohibiting the sale or distribution of items such as hats and t-shirts.
Most campus vapor pen users are smoking in the designated smoking areas. Here in Oregon the new bill also prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in bars, workplaces and other public spaces where cigarettes are forbidden.