Editorial: It's the smart thing to do
Kudos to Widener University for taking steps to ban smoking on its campuses, both indoors and out. Other area colleges and universities should follow Widener's lead. For that matter, so should other institutions, including all hospitals and government facilities. The move would help promote public health and reduce health-care costs.
Kudos to Widener University for taking steps to ban smoking on its campuses, both indoors and out.
Other area colleges and universities should follow Widener's lead. For that matter, so should other institutions, including all hospitals and government facilities. The move would help promote public health and reduce health-care costs.
Inhaling secondhand smoke is estimated to cause 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in the United States each year. Secondhand smoke is also thought to increase the risk of breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Most researchers say there is no safe level of secondhand smoke.
Smoking has been banned inside most public and private buildings. But that doesn't stop smokers from congregating outside building entrances - leaving non-smokers to inhale cancer-causing smoke as they pass by.
Widener is sending a strong message to improve public health. The university is also smart to offer employees, students, and their families free smoking-cessation classes and nicotine-replacement drugs.
The American College Health Association recommended a tobacco ban on campuses. Nationwide, hundreds of schools have gone smoke-free. So have several area community colleges.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education tried to institute a ban in 2008 on its 14 campuses, which include West Chester and Cheyney Universities. But the state labor relations board said bans would have to be negotiated with employee unions.
It is silly for the tail to wag the dog. The state universities should move again to implement the ban in the interest of public welfare.
Banning smoking on campuses could help students kick the habit at an earlier age. Bans would also be good recruitment tools since most students don't smoke.
If for no other reason, the state should do what it can to limit smoking on its campuses in order to reduce its employee health costs. For that matter, why stop at college campuses? It should include all state property, including office buildings and parks.
Taxpayers fund these institutions. If employees are getting sick from secondhand smoke, then taxpayers are footing their health-care costs. Not to mention the lost work time for those who get sick and for those who step outside for cigarette breaks.
Likewise, Mayor Nutter could lead the way in Philadelphia by banning smoking outside of City Hall and on other city property.
In addition to promoting public health and reducing health insurance costs, the ban would be a great marketing tool for the schools, the state, and the city.
Follow Widener.
