Nicotine and many of the byproducts of tobacco are classified as Class A carcinogens by the CDC, the Surgeon General of the United States, the American College Health Association, and all other professional health organizations. That means there is no safe level of exposure to this class of chemicals. To this end, Saint Mary’s College of California wants to ensure that the learning, working, and living environment of its community and members is safe and free of any health hazards, including the exposure to nicotine and its byproducts. Therefore, smoking of any tobacco products in all enclosed spaces owned and operated by the College is prohibited. The term “smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, or burning of any lighted or heated tobacco product or operating electronic smoking devices, such as vapes, and other smoking instruments. “Tobacco Product” means all forms of tobacco, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, and electronic smoking devices.
The protected areas include a minimum of 25 feet from the entrance doors of any buildings, the windows, the stairways, or the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) intake area of any building. Failure to comply with this policy is a health hazard to the community and will result in appropriate and measured response by the Office of Community Life.
Those who wish to use tobacco, nicotine, and any of its various delivery systems are not only required to abide by this policy, but we also ask that they be mindful of other members of the community who wish not to be exposed to these products. Lastly, waste products of tobacco and other nicotine delivery systems are to be properly disposed of in the designated receptacles on campus.
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