Colleges and Universities

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable and premature death, killing an estimated 443,000 Americans and 11,700 Georgians each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first tried smoking by age 18.
• Across age groups, adults aged 18–24 years had the highest prevalence of e-cigarette use.
• Tobacco use among youth and young adults leads to continued use, as nicotine exposure can negatively affect brain development and increase the risk of addiction.

New trends in tobacco products, such as electronic smoking devices are also a concern among college campuses. Secondhand aerosol from electronic smoking devices is not harmless water vapor. The aerosol created by e-cigarettes can contain ingredients that are harmful and potentially harmful to the public’s health, including nicotine; ultrafine particles; flavorings; volatile organic compounds; and heavy metals.

Adopting and implementing a tobacco-free policy not only helps to save the lives of tobacco users but also protects the rest of the campus community who may be at risk for secondhand smoke exposure.

Click  here  to see if your college/university has adopted and implemented a 100% tobacco-free college/university policy.

This is a template of a Model Tobacco-Free College and University Policy .

For a fillable version please contact GTUPP at [email protected].

Additional Resources

E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults

Tobacco-Free Colleges and Universities

Quitting is your best option to reduce your risk from smoking and tobacco use-related diseases. Vaping is not a healthy alternative to smoking. E-cigarettes and vape products are not FDA-approved cessation devices. For more information and support to help you quit contact the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line.

Click HERE for more information about quitting.

Last reviewed 11/06/2024