A new college policy forbids smoking, including electronic cigarettes, anywhere on the college campus except for designated areas.
“It is an important health strategy and it would be good for everyone,” said Allison Barton, health educator.
This new smoking policy is only the first step in the college’s goal of having a smoke and tobacco free campus by October 2016, said Barton.
“We are very serious with the fact that we want this to end up being a 100 percent tobacco free campus,” Barton said.
In implementing these new smoking policies professors have been asked to remind students of the new smoking policy said Jimenez Sabrina, a world history professor.
Smoking will be permitted at the parking lots, except Lots F and M, and parking next to the following buildings: EATM, CDC, AA, HSC, and LMC, according to the policy.
While cigarette smoking is mostly seen at the parking lots, Arthur Vasquez, an 18-year-old business major, recalls having seen e-cigarettes on college grounds.
“I do find people vaping on campus,” Vasquez said. “I feel like they know about the smoking policy, but, in their opinion, think vaping is better than smoking and they’re not hurting anyone.”
Craig Charles Phelps Jr., a 20-year-old psychology major, who is a vaping enthusiast and doesn’t believe it is anything to worry about.
“For those concerned I would want to understand why,” Phelps said. “I see vaping anywhere of course because why not? Its not smoke. If there’s no one around, why not?” Phelps said.
Not only can there be confusion with the campus policy on the use of e-cigarettes, but there are health dangers students should be aware of.
Moorpark’s Health Office has pamphlets about the dangers of smoking and e-cigarettes. Those dangers include e-cigarettes having formaldehyde, a toxin found in cigarettes, as well has higher levels of metals than in normal cigarettes. The pamphlet, “10 Things To Know About Vaping,” found in the health office in the administration building, is one of many that provide additional info.
For those who have more questions about the dangers of smoking, how to quit or about the campus policy, the health office is available to answer questions.
