E-mail
PrintCOLUMBIA — The first phase of MU's new smoking policy, which will take effect on Jan. 20, prohibits smoking within 20 feet of any entrance, exit, window or air intake system of any building on MU owned or leased property, according to a release from the MU News Bureau.
MU intends to execute the next phase of the policy, which will prohibit smoking on campus except for designated areas, by July 1, 2011, the release said. The final phase will prohibit smoking campus wide and is targeted for Jan. 1, 2014.
The new smoking policy is a result of a "smoking policy task force," according to the release. The task force held open forums and conducted a campus-wide survey on opinions about smoking, then made recommendations to Jacquelyn K. Jones, the vice chancellor for administrative services, the release said. MU's Faculty Council, Staff Advisory Council, the Missouri Students Association and the Graduate Professional Council were all involved in discussing the new smoking policy.
MU will work with the Atkins Wellness Program to provide programs to help employees quit smoking. The MU Wellness Resource Center will do the same for students, the release said. Starting on Jan. 1, prescription drugs for the same purpose will be covered under the University of Missouri Health Care Program at the same level as other drugs.
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
I'm sure someone in favor of this would be happy to point us to peer-reviewed studies showing the danger of outdoor secondhand smoke, especially when one is actively walking about?
Decisions like this are the primary reason I do not donate to my alma mater. Sorry Mizzou.
I would be more concerned with the removal of indoor carpeting. Here are some brief facts:
Contain toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethyl benzene, styrene, acetone and a host of other chemicals that are known carcinogens and produce fetal abnormalities in test animals. These chemicals also cause hallucinations, nerve damage and respiratory illness in humans.
That 'new carpet smell' comes from 4-PC, associated with eye, nose and upper respiratory problems. 4-PC is used in the latex backing of 95% of US carpets.
Other compounds that affect your health are adhesives, flame retardants and stain protectors. In 2000 the 3M Company removed the chemical perflouro-octanyl salphonate from their product, Scotchgard, because it had been found to cause reproductive problems in rats.
Mothproofing chemicals contain naphthalene, which is known to produce toxic reactions, especially in newborns.
Fire retardants often contain PBDEs which are known to cause damage to thyroid, immune system and brain development functions in humans.
Other possible hazardous chemicals: sprays, artificial dyes, antimicrobial treatments and finishes