uf smoking ban extended

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Credited Source: ufl.edu 1/23/07

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UF News - 1/23/07

Fifty-foot smoking rule extended to all UF campus buildings

The University of Florida is expanding the coverage of its outdoor smoking
restrictions to include all campus buildings.

Effective today, smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of every campus
building. The Environmental Health and Safety Committee approved the
expansion of coverage based on the recommendation of Healthy Gators
2010, a campus organization whose members reviewed the successful
implementation of the original smoking restrictions approved in May 2002.

The policy is designed to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke and
ensure clean air around all campus buildings. Nonsmokers who are
exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as
smokers and even brief exposure can be harmful, especially to people
with asthma or allergies.

�Like sustainability, this is a good step for the University of Florida,� said
Chris Machen, Healthy Gators 2010 chairwoman. �Keeping smoke at
least 50 feet away from buildings provides a healthier and more
comfortable environment for faculty, staff, students and guests.�

To estimate 50 feet, people can visualize common images such as the
length of three cars.

"For our sports fans, 50 feet is about the width of a basketball court or a
little over 15 yards on a football field," said Jill Varnes, Healthy Gators 2010
vice chairwoman and a professor in the College of Health and Human
Performance. "Another excellent way to measure this distance is to walk
20 paces."

Those interested in promoting the policy can do so by informing others.
Anyone who spots a person violating the policy might consider telling the
smoker about the policy. Enforcement is the responsibility of the person in
charge of each facility.

Until today, smoking was prohibited within 50 feet of the 44 buildings whose
administrators had requested the designation. The policy was well received
in most areas, such as the area surrounding the Florida Gym, Student
Health Care Center and the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, said
Bill Properzio, director of UF's Division of Environmental Health and Safety.
The policy has been considered a success, he added.

"Past violations usually have been due to a lack of information," Properzio
said. "Once people are informed about the policy, they typically move away
from the buildings, and we appreciate it."

According to the Surgeon General, most smokers want to quit smoking and have tried repeatedly to kick the habit.

"We understand how difficult it is for smokers to quit and want to encourage them to keep trying because they can
eventually succeed," Machen said. "A healthy Gator doesn't want to smoke and keeps trying to quit."

Programs and support to quit smoking are available on campus, in Gainesville and online. Healthy Gators 2010 will
sponsor an on-campus smoking cessation class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 for UF faculty, staff and students. The first
10 registrants will receive a free 30-day supply of nicotine patches. For more information about the policy and resources
for quitting smoking, visit www.healthygators.hhp.ufl.edu.