Starting Jan. 1, 2014, UC will join more than 1,100 colleges and universities nationwide in implementing a system-wide smoke- and tobacco-free policy, including at UC Office of the President.

If you have questions or concerns about the new policy, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more at two upcoming brown bags, from 12 to 1 p.m. on these dates:

• Thursday, Nov. 21, in 11326 Franklin
• Tuesday, Dec. 10, in 1012 Kaiser

Representatives of UCOP’s Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) and Risk Services will be there to provide information about new tobacco products like electronic cigarettes, which are included in the UC ban, and answer your questions about the new policy and cessation programs offered by UC medical providers.

“E-cigarettes have become very popular, and the overall public perception is that they are 100 percent safe,” said Phil Gardiner, TRDRP research administrator. “But there is research showing that they actually carry some health concerns.”

The new policy applies to all UC campuses, labs and centers and is intended to reduce tobacco and nicotine use and secondhand smoke exposure as well as protect the health of all students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors. It prohibits the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, and any other non-combustible tobacco product.

Your questions are welcome at the brown bag sessions. Meanwhile, for more details, follow these links:

• UCOP Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy website
• UC Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program
• UC Riverside research on e-cigarettes
• The Great American Smokeout

About

View all post by