Introduction

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga should be a smoke free campus, to help enrich the entire city of Chattanooga. Having a smoke free campus will help improve the overall quality of life and provide for a better environment. There are several aspects that are specifically important to this topic. The cessation of smoke can positively affect our physical wellness, social behavior, and our financial well- being. Making UTC a smoke free campus may also cause a negative response by the student body and faculty. Throughout this paper you should be enlightened and persuaded that UTC should ban smoking; while informing you of the pros and cons of this very controversial issue. As an exercise science major and a future health care professional, it is important to be aware of the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and barriers that may hinder individuals from doing so. Good health is needed to stay alive. You must eat healthy, exercise daily, and be conscious of the toxins that you allow to enter your body. If you were to attend a university with a smoke free campus, then there would be a decrease risk for others to encounter second hand smoke and any potentially harmful toxins: All of which could put student’s health at risk and place them in danger even while upholding an active lifestyle.

The act of smoking can be linked directly to our health and has been proven by several teams of medical researchers. Smoking tobacco has very negative affects on your lungs and cardiovascular system. It may also cause incurable diseases that could have been prevented if the smoke hadn’t attacked the main parts of the body, which are a necessity to life. Heart disease, cancer, and lung problems are the three major threats of smoking. Statistics show that, “smoking is responsible for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths each year.” (How Smoking Affects the Body. 2004) This study was conducted in 2004; therefore the percentage has probably increased dramatically over the past 4 years. The above listed are the most commonly know and reported health affects that smoking has on the body. However, there are many more adverse affects noted by doctors and researchers. Smoking may reduce fertility, cause early menopause, and if done while pregnant may cause miscarriage or premature birth. Men are also at high risk for health disparities, one very common in older men would be impaired erection. “Its effects on blood vessels cause chronic pains in the legs (claudication) which can progress to gangrene and amputations of the toes or feet,” reported a team of researchers at ehealth. (How Smoking Affects the Body. 2004)

Geoffrey Kabat stated, “When BMI and waist circumference were adjusted; BMI was inversely associated with lung cancer risk in both current smokers and former smokers,” in association with the American Journal of Epidemiology.(Kabat. 2008) Having a relatively large waist circumference or being classified as obese according to BMI regulations may lead to other health implications. The more weight around or near your heart, the more pressure placed upon your blood vessels, which many times the access fat even constricts the vessels making your risk for a heart attack increase.  The health of the students at UTC should definitely be a priority to the deans and those in authoritative positions. Making this campus smoke free will definitely lower the risk for the above health problems and create awareness throughout the city of Chattanooga.

The Way to a Green Environment

Banning smoking will provide for a cleaner campus and a more eco friendly environment. “Throwing away a lighted cigarette or match can be very dangerous.” Especially if thrown near or in a forest. “A forest fire destroys everything in its path. Because young trees are destroyed along with older trees the damage is long-lasting and expensive.” (Who’s Choosing. 2007) The air we breathe is very detrimental to our survival as human beings. “Ozone and other things that pollute the air are problems for anyone who breathes. And if a person has asthma, these pollutants can be triggers (like pollen or cigarette smoke) that cause worsening symptoms and asthma flare-ups.” (Joeseph. 2007) It is quite evident that smoking does not only affect the smoker but every individual on this earth. It might only affect the smoker directly but it affects each individual who doesn’t smoke indirectly; when we breathe in those toxins it opens the door to minor health implications that could potentially become a major disease. “It is quite evident that smoking causes air pollution and to some extent also pollutes the ground. Approximately 4000 chemicals are present in cigarettes, which are breathed out and released in the atmosphere.” (How Smoking Affects the Environment 2007)

            The way smoking affects the body and the adverse negative affects on those who don’t smoke are just a couple of the pros as to why UTC should be a smoke free campus. They are minor but have the potential to cause major problems on the campus. The social life on campus is affected as well as the behavior of students due to cigarette smoke. “Smoking behavior has been shown to be influenced by individuals’ perception of social norms about smoking.” “This study examines whether local regulations regarding clean indoor air and youth access to tobacco are associated with residents’ subsequent perceptions of smoking norms.” (Hamilton. 2008)

Social Norms

            Students may perceive smoking as a cool hobby and is often taken on as a means of peer pressure on different college and even some high school campuses. Promoting or allowing students to smoke, doesn’t relay a very positive message to the public. As a University, the goal should be to graduate productive citizens and in turn bring in potential students to bring uplift to the campus and its surroundings. “North Carolina grows half of the tobacco in the United States, and the original cash crop remains its economic backbone. North Carolina placed a ban on youth smoking or tobacco use in public schools. The law applies to everyone on campus, year round: parents in the stands for football games, maintenance crews, in the school garage and teachers in the parking lot.” (Phillips 2008) If the state of North Carolina can put this plan into action, being the largest production state of tobacco, surely Chattanooga, Tn., can put forth effort to do the same.

            Not only have some schools and public places placed a ban on smoking but some work companies have began to place restrictions on smoking. The work force is getting stricter on smoking policies because it slows production and costs them more money. Placing a ban on smoking anywhere surrounding their facilities including the employees and customers. “Smoking cessation programs at Las Vegas Casino Company MGM Mirage and Fort Worth, Texas- based bell helicopter have provided benefits that reach beyond health care costs reduced. In this attempt to shield some workers from second- hand smoke and the harmful effects.” (Wojcik. 2008) These managers have recognized the risks involved with having employees whom smoke and the affects that the guest smokers may have on their employees. The same principal can be applied to campus life due to the constant interaction among peers, but also between students and their professors, Many students may have asthma or an acute lung deficiency which could be treatable; however, once those toxins are inhaled it could cause what was manageable to become terminal. Once that student becomes sick, they have to miss class to be treated, putting them behind in their studies but more importantly decreasing their chance of a healthy and normal life.

Facts and Opinions

            “Recent studies show that there is an intense need for effective smoking cessation programs on campus. Among all smokers, the prevalence by age is highest among college-age people (ages 18-24).” (Smoke- Free College Campus Initiative. 2002) College prepares students to become future professionals of America; it’s also a very pivotal point in one person’s life. It’s important in the aspect that you are constantly learning who you are and molding who you will be in the future. If this university and other universities accept the challenge to create a smoke free campus, they will change a lot of lives and help shape healthy and productive citizens. We are the future.  

“Many college students have smoked for years and want to quit. Others may be starting for the first time.” (Barry, Morganoff, Trayes. 2002) At the Boston University in 2002 they set forth an initiative that was geared towards helping students stop smoking and eventually leading to no smoking on campus. One of the many ways they accomplished their goal was by getting the entire campus involved and on board with the program. They incorporated a series of events throughout the week that were fun and also created awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. One event that took place was the “Cold- turkey lunch Day”, this was an event created for those students who wanted to stop smoking. The cafeteria served free cold-turkey during the lunch hour to support this initiative specifically.

Opposing View Point

Studies show that the number of students who smoke cigarettes is steadily increasing. Proposing such a plan as this one would present a challenge to the high ranking officials of the school, faculty and students; however, it is a challenge that is worth the time and effort. This initiative would be beneficial but it will also have some serious drawbacks and cause some negative responses. It could possibly turn potential students away from this University for fear of restrictions on their lifestyle. It might cause some professors to look for jobs in the surrounding areas or even outside of Chattanooga. It would definitely cause complications for the Dean of students and other officials in authoritative positions. This controversy could bring a lot of unnecessary attention to school and maybe even cause unwanted tension between smokers and non smokers.

Many non smokers might argue that it is unjust or unlawful and denies them of their rights as a United States citizen. Even that nicotine brings them pleasure and instant gratification. A lot of time smokers become friends with other smokers because they feel that they have a lot in common with one another. Which would be very compelling arguments, but ultimately the good outweighs the bad. Smoking causes a very bad outer appearance as well as destroys your inside. Your skin and teeth may vary in color due to smoking residue left behind after smoking consistently. Smoke alone leaves a very bad smell in your clothing and your hair.

In the state of Pennsylvania, legislature has placed a smoking ban on 14 colleges and universities. This was done to encourage students to stop smoking as well as to reduce the risk for smoke related diseases. Some students at Penn State were not pleased with this ban and verbally voiced their opinions of this new law. One Danielle Fennigan stated, “It is a matter of freedom, of personal choice. I don’t smoke, but I respect another individual’s ability to make that choice for themselves.” (Wajnarowski. 2008) This was the point of view of a non smoker, but it still voiced that banning smoking takes away student rights. “If health care and medical professionals can smoke outside of hospitals, I think students should be allowed to smoke outside of classrooms,” explained, Siniari. (Wajnarowski. 2008) A concerned student’s thoughts on the matter, as he compares the unfairness of this ban on campus to off campus actions. The university began passing out pamphlets to create awareness and asking students to put out the cigarette as a consequence when the ban was first passed. Now authoritative officials are going to more extreme measures to make sure this ban is taken seriously, by issuing fines for all individuals caught smoking on the campus at Penn State. The fine has been set at four hundred dollars but may increase as time progresses.

Pros and Cons of Making UTC a Non Smoking Campus

This ban could cause some negative feedback, but in turn has a large number of pros. The eliminating of smoking would cause us to lead healthier lives from the smokers to the non-smokers. As health individuals our insurance rates could decrease due to a lower risk of health disparities. Insurance companies raise the premium and the cost based on the need or risk alone associated with hospital costs. If we are less likely to have asthma attacks due to second hand smoke, lung disease, cancer and various other detrimental health related issues then the more money we are able to save a month on health insurance. The greater the risk for a normal and healthy life; with the addition to proper exercise and proper eating habits: our society would improve in a very major aspect (healthcare). At a time in the United States were health care is at an all time high and a very political topic. We are constantly looking for economical ways and different strategies to lower health care costs, when the problem lies partially within ourselves. Aside from health care costs being extremely high; smoking is a very expensive habit. Cigarette taxes and costs have sky rocketed over the past few years, which make less money available for necessities. Overall its very beneficial financially to stop smoking or to at least attempt to limit the number that you smoke a day due to the very bad shape of the economy and high gas prices. It’s very hard to afford a pack of cigarettes. The ban of smoking on college campuses has already taken place in some states across the country and the initiative to decrease the number of students that engage in this act has begun. It will not be very long before more states take on this very ban and make it a state mandated law. Considering the pros and cons of smoking to be very inclusive; the good still remains to outweigh the bad. This ban would create an uproar because it does deprive certain individuals of their rights, but it is a challenge worth fighting for completion.

Smoking causes an increase risk for smoke related diseases such as; lung cancer, stroke, heart attack and many more. Second hand smoke which is breathed in by all around the smokers may cause potential health disparities and could increase the risk for harmful toxins to enter our bodies. The environment would be much cleaner and safer for children with and without asthma. The ozone layer would be less polluted making it much easier to breathe. This could lessen the chance for depletion in the atmosphere. Social norms would return to its original state and the number of people starting to smoke would decrease. It creates a financial stability and decreases the cost of health care insurance. 

Conclusion

According to the surgeon general, “This country has experienced a substantial reduction of involuntary exposure to second hand tobacco smoke in recent decades.”(The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Vision of the Future. 2006) Since certain states have adopted this policy there have only been positive outcomes. It first starts with the campus, and then the city of Chattanooga, then the state of Tennessee and before you know it the entire United States. There are many pros and cons surrounding this issue; however, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga should be more concerned with graduating productive and healthy citizens that will bring about change. If this is their main goal and focus then I strongly suggest that smoking be banned from this campus today for a better tomorrow. Understanding the problem and admitting that smoking on college campuses is the first step. The next step would be to set in place the policy and make every party involved aware. Finally enforcing the policy to alleviate potential health problems and cut down the appearance and notion that smoking is cool and acceptable. There are no known benefits of smoking cigarettes, but there are far more benefis to smoking. More financial stability, better health, better healthcare, a better future for the youth and today’s generation  of young people, and making the greater Chattanooga area more eco friendly are all pros of having a smoke free campus. If this is their main goal and focus then I strongly suggest that smoking be banned from this campus today for a better tomorrow.