Model
100% Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare for
all persons who enter [Company]’s property.
Each year, approximately 440,000 people in the United States die prematurely of diseases
caused by tobacco. The Surgeon General concluded that there is no risk-free level of
tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke and smoke residue.
Medical studies have shown that any exposure to tobacco smoke causes immediate
damage to the body that can lead to serious illness or death. Evidence has also shown that
the use of smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, snuff and snus, also
cause adverse health effects and can result in oral cancer, increased risk of heart attack,
other cardiovascular disease and addiction.
In addition to promoting public health, a campus-wide tobacco-free policy can be
economically beneficial as well, especially if supported by an effective cessation policy.
Benefits include reduced employee health care costs and absenteeism, increased
employee productivity, as well as cost savings in areas such as grounds maintenance.
RATIONALE: The hazards of second-hand and third-hand smoke exposure warrant the
prohibition of smoking in proximity of child care areas at any time. Scientific evidence
has linked respiratory health risks to secondhand smoke. No children, especially those
with respiratory problems, should be exposed to additional risk from the air they breathe.
Infants and young children exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing
bronchitis, pneumonia, and middle ear infections when they experience common
respiratory infections (1-5). Separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the same air
space does not eliminate or minimize exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contamination lingers after a cigarette is extinguished and children come
in contact with the toxins (6). Thirdhand smoke exposure also presents hazards.
Thirdhand smoke refers to gases and particles clinging to smokers’ hair and clothing,
cushions and carpeting, and outdoor equipment, after tobacco smoke has dissipated (1).
The residue includes heavy metals, carcinogens and radioactive materials that young
children can get on their hands and ingest, especially if they’re crawling or playing on the
floor. Residual toxins from smoking at times when the children are not using the space
can trigger asthma and allergies when the children do use the space (1,2).
Therefore, this policy is designed to include all products that contain tobacco or that
deliver nicotine in a manner that is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of
nicotine addiction. Because there is no safe tobacco product, the only logical action
is to promote a campus that is completely tobacco-free.
II. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this policy, the terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:
“Tobacco product” means any product containing tobacco in any form.
“Unapproved nicotine delivery product” means any product containing or
delivering nicotine intended or expected for human consumption that has not been
approved or otherwise certified for sale by the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as a tobacco use cessation product. This listing can be
found at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm198176.htm
III. TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS POLICY
The use and visual possession of tobacco and unapproved nicotine delivery products are
prohibited on all property under the control of [Company] at all times, including, but not
limited to:
grounds
adjacent sidewalks
parking lots
buildings
company vehicles whether or not that vehicle is on [Company] property
private vehicles parked on [Company] property
This policy applies to all persons on [Company]’s campus, regardless of their purpose for
being there.
[Job Title] will establish a procedure for informing patients, staff, visitors, contractors,
etc. of the ban on the use and visual possession of tobacco products, unapproved nicotine
delivery products and associated paraphernalia in, or on the grounds of [Company].
IV. EMPLOYEE TOBACCO-FREE WORKDAY POLICY
Employees and volunteers are prohibited from using tobacco products and unapproved
nicotine delivery products during their working hours, including breaks, whether on or
off campus. Clothing worn during an employee’s shift must be free from the odor of
tobacco.
For family child care home, it is strongly urged that, whenever possible, the
caregivers/teachers be non-tobacco users because of the role model effect of tobacco
users on children. The entire home and agency vehicles will be kept smoke-free at all
times to prevent exposure of the children who are cared for in these spaces.
V. POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy is effective as of [Month] [Day], [Year].
VI. POLICY CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about this policy, contact: [Name, Title & Contact Information]
This policy is accepted by and for [Company]:
Name
Date
Successful Implementation
The following are suggested steps for successful implementation of this policy.
Staff members play an important role in modeling behavior and setting a good example
for others in complying with the policy.
For this reason, the following are suggested:
Ongoing and clear communication about the rationale, components and
enforcement of the tobacco-free environment policy.
Prominently placed signage that clearly explains the policy.
Clear messaging that all staff members, regardless of classification or job status,
are expected to adhere to the policy. Thus, all staff members are prohibited from
using or possessing prohibited products while working for or representing the
company, either on site or at other business locations.
Low to no-cost cessation assistance for staff members who want to quit using
tobacco.
Education on how to most effectively react to individuals found violating the
policy.
REFERENCES:
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2007. Children and secondhand smoke exposure. Excerpts from the
health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coordinating Center for
Health Promotion, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and
Health.
2. Schwartz, J., K. L. Timonen, J. Pekkanen. 2000. Respiratory effects of environmental tobacco smoke in a panel
study of asthmatic and symptomatic children. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 161:802-6.
3. Stenstrom, R., P. A. Bernard, H. Ben-Simhon. 1993. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke as a risk factor for
recurrent acute otitis media in children under the age of five years. Inter J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 27:127-36.
4. Pershagen, G. 1999. Accumulating evidence on health hazards of passive smoking. Acta Paediatr 88:490-92.
5. Gergen, P. J., J. A. Fowler, K. R. Maurer, et al. 1998. The burden of environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the
respiratory health of children 2 months through 5 years of age in the United States: Third national health and nutritional
examination survey, 1988 to 1994. Pediatrics 101: e8.
6. Winickoff, J. P., J. Friebely, S. E. Tanski, C. Sherrod, G. E. Matt, M. F. Hovell, R. C. McMillen. 2009. Beliefs about
the health effects of “thirdhand” smoke and home smoking bans. Pediatrics 123: e74-e79.