Designated campus smoking

What do you think of having designated smoking areas on campus to draw smokers away from building entrances? For more on this item, visit the Gazette page.

Comments

[duMaurier]

Smoke if you're addicted but be considerate, and yes you are addicted.
Walk away from a building until you can't see the entrance.
Don't litter, roll the cigarette butt in your index finger and your thumb until the heater falls off, step on it, then take the filter with you and toss it into a garbage can.
Don't throw a lit cigarette into a garbage can!
Non-smokers don't tell a smoker how bad it is for them, or how much they stink, they know!
It is not kind to offer a cigarette to a non-smoker.
We all know putting restrictions or banning addictive drugs does not make them disappear. Helping people does.
If you are a smoker and feel the need to fight for the right to choose. Choose something worth while to fight for.
Congratulations to everyone who is becoming a non-smoker like you were before.

[James Rowe]

I think smoking should be banned all over campus, because smokers,including staff and faculty members,ignore posted signs requiring ten metres from entrances. Ethics would not allow a scientist to conduct experiments requiring exposing unwilling persons to any amount of tobacco smoke, but social science staff members smoke inside the limit. Non-smokers are treated as second class citizens all over the outdoor campus, by both those who ignore the law and those who legitimately smoke in unposted areas outdoors. I resent having to ask and being ignored and having my right to equal access to campus restricted in order to give smokers extra priviledges while paying the same tuition.
In the abnormal psychology course text used a few years ago for the undergraduate class nicotine was ranked with crack cocaine and heroin for addictive potential. I do not think I should be expected to beg, to run and hide or to passively allow myself to be poisoned, drugged and ultimately murdered. Hate literature is illegal, even though it does not directly kill others. Why is smoking treated as legal when it does directly erode the health and kill others. Why is uttering death threats illegal but exposing them on a cigarette pack and then acting on the threat treated as legal?

[Kelvin]

I think a designated smoking area is a great idea. In the perspective of health its known second hand smoking can cause diseaseS. Yes its a free country, but a free country doesn't allow people to simply do what they want if it subjects other fellow citizens to danger. I consider second hand smoking a health hazard simply because most smokers are crowded around public entrances. The fumes from smoking could be in a way be equivlent to someone making really really loud noises to the point of your ear drums hurting. Just in the case our lungs lack sensors therefore if it hurt you don't feel much of it.

Yes smokers are kicked out into the cold, and yes if they feel like poisoning themselves they should be able to. However, if one person decides to suicide, are they allowed to bring other people along with them?

Designated smoking areas could include shelters which may even be great to sheild the smokers from the cold, rain, and wind. Whether they are used or not its by the choice of the smokers themselves, but the 10meter prohibited smoking area from entrances to the building should be followed-enforced. Smokers in those areas are disrespecting the general public. Be considerate.

[Jennifer]

It's 10 feet, dipshit. And honestly, you all have vices which are as bad as, if not worse than smoking. Drinking isn't as bad? Ask your liver. Or your brain cells, oh wait, alcohol kills them. Drugs? I'm pretty sure there are a lot of you posting out there who smoke marijuana - 5 times as much tar as cigarettes. Even if you don't, your vices CAN translate to others - eg) STI's. Technical talk won't make walking by smokers seem to cause cancer anymore than a normal, non-elitist vocabulary - walking by smokers will NOT give you cancer, no matter what those above me have said. Stop being so prissy, pretending you're better than smokers (very well educated people DO smoke, it doesn't have anything to do with intelligence, UGH), and just avoid these large sweltering groups (which I sure haven't noticed), and quit your bitchin'.

[Jenna]

You are all lame. Let the smokers smoke. You kicked us outside. You kicked us out of bars and restaurants. We have as many rights as the rest of you

[Craig]

They are a great idea but they shouldn't have to be implemented if the smokers would abide by the "30 feet from the entrance to a building rule". If they would just follow the regulations we would not have a problem but they seem to think walking 30 feet is difficult, must be all the smoking.....

[Craig]

They are a great idea but they shouldn't have to be implemented if the smokers would abide by the "30 feet from the entrance to a building rule". If they would just follow the regulations we would not have a problem but they seem to think walking 30 feet is difficult, must be all the smoking.....

[Kim]

I found JILL's comment to be extremely ignorant, and I wanted to state some facts from Health Canada:

1. Second-hand smoke consists of mainstream smoke, the smoke inhaled and exhaled by the smoker, and sidestream smoke, the smoke released directly from the end of a burning cigarette. Therefore, individuals within the vacinity are not simply "smelling" the smoke.

2. Two thirds of the smoke from a burning cigarette is not inhaled by the smoker but enters into the surrounding environment. The contaminated air is inhaled by anyone in that area. Same conclusion as above.

3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has officially labelled second -hand smoke as a "class A" cancer-causing substance. Class A is considered the most dangerous of cancer agents and there is no known safe level of exposure.

The Health Canada website is accessible to anyone and has additional information in regard to this issue.

Regarding smoking areas on campus, we should first focus on enforcing the rules the university already has in place such as all smokers need to remain 10 metres away from any building entrance. This could eliminate the need for designated smoking areas altogether.

[Steven]

before we proceed, i would like to point out, for the record, that i am not a smoker.
that being said, i think it's time for a scientific perspective. i have good news!!! people smoking in front of buildings will not:
a) cause end-stage lung cancer to passers-by (it requires repeated, heavy exposure)

b) induce massive asmathic attacks to passers-by

c) cause the smokers to attack passers-by and subsequently force nicotine into their blood

d) cause the social fabric of our society to unravel

honestly, it's time to stop complaining!!! everyone is entitled to their own behaviours, whether they be healthy or not. i'm sure many of you "non-smokers" aren't quite as clean as a preacher's sheets. i'd bet my life you have your own, less visible, but considerably more dirty little vices, too (read: pornography, drugs, a little too many martini nights).
the bottom line: we've forced them outdoors into the cold and rain; they've accomodated us by not smoking inside, and now we should shut our self-righteous mouths and stop demanding more. maybe this will make you whiners feel better: the next time you are forced to walk that horrendous, devestating, life-altering FIVE second walk to the front doors through that acrid, penetrating blanket of smoke, past those odious, disgusting smokers, just remember that you are entering a climate controlled building, and they are bumping uglies with father winter. if you ask me, that's punishment enough! in the meantime, lets give them more ashtrays, and give the rest of you a hydraulic wench to pull that massive stick out of your hiney!

[JILL]

LISTEN, SMOKERS KNOW SMOKING ISNT THE BEST HEALTH CHOICE BUT THE KEY WORD THERE IS CHOICE. IT'S NOT YOUR CHOICE SO DON'T BLAH BLAH BLAH ABOUT CANCER WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. 30 SECONDS OF THE SMOKE YOU SMELL, YES SMELL BECAUSE YOU AREN'T INHALING BIG PUFFS YOU ARE JUST SMELLING THE SMOKE, ISN'T GOING TO GIVE YOU CANCER. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU RESPONDING TO THE COMMENTS MADE ABOVE, IT IS CLEAR THAT YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SARCASM OR RHETORIC AND YOU NEED TO TAKE IT EASY OR INSTEAD OF DEATH BY CANCER YOU COULD DIE FROM THAT GIANT STICK UP YOUR ASS.

[Shannon]

You know what's a funny trend? How it's generally the smoking population that posts on this site who are rude, obnoxious and inconciderate of what non-smokers believe. Despite what you smokers may believe, most people who want smoking banned from the entrances of buildings are not out to get you. We don't to "segregate", we just made a choice not a to smoke and not to die of cancer, so we don't want smoke blown at us (whether it is on purpose or not). And to those people who try to bring in faulty arguments like Chanel sunglasses making the campus "ugly", that is a weak and pathetic argument. I'm sorry, do those sunglasses give you cancer? Furthermore, I think all the people who call us "whiners" should maybe stop being so selfish, and really think about it. Are you harming the people around you with your second hand smoke? Just because you believe that smoking does not harm you, doesn't mean others don't think it harms them. Maybe go to the Body Works exhibit at the Museum of Science in Toronto, and compare the blackened smoker lungs with the pink healthy lungs of the non-smoker. Please be considerate of others when you smoke, that's all I ask.

[kelly]

As a non smoker, I think that smoking should be banned from the entire school, sadly this is not possible. Study after study has shown the harmful and life threatening effects from second hand smoke. So while all you smokers are out there calling us whiners, and babies, etc etc... really we are clearly the more intelligent division of the population who realizes that we dont want to die of cancer by being exposed, unwillingly, to someone else's poor choice and bad habit.
think about that next time you light up a death stick near a non smoker.

[Amy]

I think that designated smoking areas are a fabulous idea!

As for all of the arguments that smoking is better than polluting the campus with "ugly", or smelling noxious perfumes, get real. That argument isn't valid and you know it. Looking at somebody whose taste in clothes you don't agree with doesn't have the ability to render you blind over the years...but second hand smoke can cause cancer. Also, who are you to judge which pollutant people choose not to enter into their body? As you've said, everybody makes bad decisions. People probably should be abstaining from drugs, alcohol etc.(if you have a problem with it, take action!) But this isn't about all the bad decisions that non-smokers are making. It's about one of the GOOD decisions they've made. Not to smoke. Because let's face it...it's bad. And we're not asking you to stop smoking, but like alcohol, have designated areas where you can indulge.

[Excuse Me]

Sorry Paula, my message was directed to "concerned university member" not you.

[Excuse Me?]

So, Paula, apparently the 'whole' of society should bow to those who smoke but smokers are not required to display even a fleeting concern for those who don't smoke. There are already signs posted asking people not to smoke within a certain distance from building entrances but smokers don't care; they stand right in front of the door. There are plenty of ashtrays around campus - a disgusting eyesore in and of itself - but smokers don't care; they drop their butts all over campus and the community. If smokers will not adhere to the small concessions that are being made for non-smokers then they shouldn't get any concessions at all. There should actually be more severe restictions than even designated smoking areas; there should be licensed smoking areas just like licensed areas to serve alochol. Those should be the only places to buy and smoke cigarettes. Since nicotine is overall a more harmful drug than alcohol (like cigarettes, a legal commodity), if you can't drink a bottle of beer outside the door of a campus building, you shouldn't be able to smoke a cigarette (or cigar, or pipe) there too. And what do you mean smokers don't harm anyone when they're outside? I am harmed everytime I am forced to walk through a pack of smokers and breathe their second hand smoke.

[glb]

Hmmmmmm. Lot's of rhetoric, and escalating emotions, on both sides of the issue.

It shouldn't be so difficult for all of us to just tone it down a notch and treat each other with a little more respect and a little less judgement.

You know - the way you would like to be treated, whether you are a smoker or a non-smoker.

[cam]

this is crap. smokers are already outside, and that's enough. suck it up whiners, you don't get to rule the world. smoking is a 'right' if you like, and you can enter via another door if you must. or stay home, where it's nice and safe and the baddies won't hurt you, ever ever again

[das-man]

you self-righteous health-fanatics sound so paranoid, it's pathetic. and to whoever said above that someone 'analyses things too much,' that's how people think who DON'T THINK, and that's a lot less healthy than smoking. in fact, it's exactly why UGLY pollution is more prevalent and embarrassing on this campus than smoking, and costs more money and makes me wonder whether the masses of ridiculous juveniles all over campus are even over 18, and what they're parents were smoking when they had these kids. however, I would never make a law telling people how they OUGHT to think, dress, act, or why they shouldn't do ONE of the ten-million self-destructive distracting activities popular today, because people ought to be able to do what they desire to do, without getting a lecture from some upright preppie health-nut trying to be the model of good taste.

last, as a smoker, I will not use your stupid gazebos or areas, even if you build them. I'll continue to do what I feel like, and you should too (so long as it isn't malicious, which smoking outdoors ISN'T.) and then I'll clean up my litter.
and you law-mongers walking around little little police-states for minds can eat your Harveys burgers and listen to your trash music and wear your disgusting perfume/cologne (which smells as bad or worse as smoke in my opinion) if you like, and I'll ignore it, because who am i to tell you otherwise??

[Aly]

I think that designated smoking areas would be a great idea. I live above the entrance of one of the dorms on campus and I have to close my window even if it is sweltering hot inside so that the smell of smoke does not fill my room.

[J Leung]

A designated smoking area that is sheltered?

Especially during the winter, it would be a nice idea to have a designated sheltered "safe" smoking area for the smokers. It would be much easier for smokers to respect the 10 metre distance by-law if there was somewhere they could sit and chill.

Although, we have our unofficial designated smoking areas that violate this 10 metre rule. eg. outside of the main UCC doors, there's a little corner (Under the steps of the wave) where people always smoke + the Wave smoker entrance.

However, the practical side to applying this, is questionable. Would you put up a fancy little shack in the middle of the concrete beach for people to smoke in? or what? A designated smoking area would have no meaning if there is no fencing type thing to show where we should be herding the smokers into.

[Cindy Hunt]

Congratulations are in order to all of you non-smokers for being the epitome of 'health-conscious.' It must take a lot of will-power to avoid ALL things deemed bad for your health. Cigarettes are one thing, but I am proud of all you for avoiding all harmful vices such as alcohol, drugs, fast food, and yes, even sex. Oh that's right, you don't. Before all of you self-righteous assholes go on and preach about how our 'poisonous' smoke is ruining your health, maybe you should think about all the other things you do to harm your health. Give me a break. I am a smoker and I do not see these giant clouds of smoke that you speak of. And I am sorry, I am not going to walk 5 miles to stand in some shitty smoking shack just because a couple of people complain that the air is being polluted. How about you boycott cars on campus? How about buses? Since you are all so healthy, I am sure you would enjoy walking home. It would sure help the air quality around campus. I have an idea! How about all of the non-smokers walk around in giant plastic bubbles. That way you can all avoid the harmful air outside. Better yet, to better avoid the second-hand smoke pollution that is OVERTAKING the world, how about you all become recluses and never leave the house again. Oh...that's right, that would be removing your personal right to leave your house and walk around in the free world; and who would ever propose that? Well I suggest that Western builds designated non-smoking areas. That way you can all meet up and discuss the many ways that smokers are ruining your lives. But seriously people, good for you for not smoking, but I don't really care. I have chosen to smoke because I enjoy it, so leave me and all of the other smokers alone; you don't have to be so rude. Sure it may be an expensive habit, but $9 a pack is pocket change in comparison to all those freaks who waste their money on their ugly Louis Vuitton bags and Chanel sunglasses, which, by the way, pollute campus with UGLY. Lastly, I respect the 10 metre rule, so I am not doing anything wrong. I am not blowing smoke in your faces, I am not throwing my cigarette butts at you, I use the ashtrays located around campus and personally I think that is being pretty considerate.

[Jill]

Cough, cough! That bus smog is so toxic. I can't stand it anymore. All those inconsiderate buses parked in front of the door of my building. Poor health conscious me. I have to hold my breath everytime I walk by those cancer causing bus fumes inhaling their second hand excretions. And futhermore I have severe allergies and I feel that the trees scattered everywhere in a hap-hazard manner are dangerous because of the pollens they release into the air. They are offensive and for someone who cares about health such as myself they pose a real threat to my very existence.

[Peter]

Somking areas on campus are a waste of time. There are already by-laws requireing people to smoke 10 meters away from all buildings on campus, perhaps we should just enfoce it.

[Lois]

In-door smoking areas at Western would be a good idea if...
1) the smoking rooms would be equipped with individual air exchangers so that the smoky air couldn't circulate with the rest of the air in the building.
2) the smokers using the rooms cleaned up after themselves.

My first point would cost a lot of money and my second point would not happen - the smokers would not clean up after themselves. (The cigarette butts strewn on the ground at the entrance/exits of all buildings on campus are proof of my last statement.)

For these reasons I don't think the idea would work.

[I]

I think a lot of you are just exsagerating, on both sides. A little smoke within a metre of you is not the plague; I'm a third year bio student, so I might not be an expert but I'm not a history major either. No one finds themself hearing "I'm sorry, those 3 seconds a day of cigarette smoke gave you lung cancer". so relax. I understand that smoke bothers people. I'm a smoker myself and I try to avoid blowing smoke in people's direction as they walk by. At the same time, its the outdoors,its supposed to be public space and its for everyone. People's habits bother me- I walk around all day listening to swearing, screaming, and people blasting unfortunate choices of music from their cars, but somehow i would imagine that instituting a maximum decibel level is out of the question...