The University of Arizona will be joining hundreds of other universities across the country with a campus ban on smoking.

UA's "Smoking and Tobacco Policy" also includes a ban on using electronic cigarettes on campus.

See also:

-ASU to Ban Smoking on all Campuses in 2013



Arizona State University enacted a similar no-tobacco policy last year -- to the protest of some students -- but its policy allows the use of e-cigarettes on the campus:

E-cigarettes produce indoor air pollutants and have a heating element which can serve as a source of ignition. They are therefore prohibited indoors and near any area with combustible materials. E-cigarettes can be used outdoors on campus away from combustible materials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ". . . e-cigarettes appear to have far fewer of the toxins found in smoke compared to traditional cigarettes, [but] the impact of e-cigarettes on long-term health must be studied."

The CDC says one in five U.S. adult smokers has tried an e-cigarette, with some using them as a replacement for traditional cigarettes, and some using them as a tool to help quit cigarette smoking.

Starting next month, they can't be used on UA property, though:

For purposes of this Policy, prohibited products include any product that contains tobacco or nicotine, including but not limited to any lighted or unlighted cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, kretek, hookah or water pipe, and all forms of smokeless tobacco. This Policy does not apply to nicotine patches, nasal sprays or nicotine gum.

However, UA's policy regarding the punishment for using an e-cigarette, or any other tobacco product, is vague:

Students will be referred to the appropriate college student representative for educational resources.

Employees, affiliates, associates, and volunteers will be referred to their respective supervisors for appropriate action.

Contractors will be referred to their respective employers and/or Procurement and Contracting Services for appropriate action.

Visitors may be required to leave the campus if they fail to conform to the Policy

ASU's outlined punishment is also vague:

Students and employees are required to abide by all university policies in their day-to-day activities at ASU. If a student or an employee violates this policy, they may face disciplinary action.

The Maricopa County Community College District actually enacted a smoking/tobacco ban on its campuses in 2012, including a ban on e-cigarettes, too.

Northern Arizona University's smoking policy doesn't ban smoking outside of buildings on campus property.

UA's new ban goes into effect on August 15.

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