Let’s talk smoke free campus…and vaping
What does a smoke free campus mean for students and what are their reactions?
Since 1st August 2019, the University of Leeds campus is smoke free. Whilst the LUU have supported the University’s smoke free campus campaign since its proposal in 2016, the response amongst students at the university was mixed. The smoke free campus proposes that between 8am and 6pm everyday tobacco cigarettes should not be smoked in the following places:
· Main campus
· Western campus
· Fairbairn House
· All University-owned and managed residences
· All University-owned sports grounds
However vaping will still be allowed on the campus. Never having smoked myself, like a lot of other people I was confused about e-cigarettes and the risk that they carry. So I set about researching to try and figure out the benefits and harms of e-cigarettes, as well as the misconceptions around them. This article aims to provide information to help students understand why smoking has been banned from campus but vaping has not.
So firstly, what is Vaping?
Vaping refers to the smoking of an electronic-cigarette (or e-cigarette). E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine via inhaled vapour which mimics a smoking sensation. E-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco and so don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide — two of the most damaging elements of tobacco smoke. Instead the e-cigarettes work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, chemicals such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, and flavourings, although not all do.
Who is using e-cigarettes?
An estimated 2.9 million adults in the UK currently use e-cigarettes (1). Of these, 1.5 million have completely stopped smoking cigarettes. Smokers are more likely to use e-cigarettes as either a replacement to tobacco smoking or as an aid to quitting altogether.
How safe are e-cigarettes?
Whilst in the UK e-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality, they are not entirely risk free. Part of this risk comes as a result of e-cigarettes being relatively new to the market, with the first introduction in China in 2003. As a result, the long-term effects are still unknown. However, evidence suggests that vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking (2). Vaping has also been associated with lower cravings and longer time until first use in the morning compared to tobacco smoking. This suggests a lower level of dependence to e-cigarettes than smoking.
Whilst e-cigarettes may be helping some people stop smoking, for others it is a gateway to start smoking cigarettes. Recent studies have suggested that e-cigarette users achieve nicotine levels matching that of a traditional cigarette user. There are also some common side effects reported with the use of e-cigarettes which include throat and mouth irritation.
Why have an environmental initiative to quitting smoking?
Smoking ban initiatives play an important role in both helping current smokers reduce or quit as well as reducing the impact of second hand smoking. Often, our behaviours are triggered by cues in the environment such as seeing others smoke or being prompted by others to go for a cigarette. But, when that behaviour is hindered, it may make you think twice about how much you really want to pursue it. Environmental initiatives help cultivate a culture where smoking is seen as unusual, and where a smoke free culture is the new normal.
What do the students have to say?
Response to the smoking ban seems to be mixed with some students appreciating the health impacts of the ban and others thinking it removes freedom of choice for people. I asked current students for their opinions on the ban and here is what they had to say:
“I think it is a good idea from a health perspective but also it is kind of peoples’ choice to do what they like with their bodies.”
“Smoke free campus for sure! Leeds is leading the way!”
“I worry that it might impact business in the Union. People won’t be able to smoke when they go for a drink and so they might end up going elsewhere.”
“I find it a bit condescending, we are adults and should be allowed to choose whether or not to smoke legally outside.”
“I have friends who in their 20s have started social smoking and get into the habit, then struggle to quit. Environmental initiatives like this, I think, would reduce social smoking and then people are less likely to get addicted in the long term.”
Summary
It is important to be aware of the differences between e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarette. Whilst e-cigarettes may not be completely risk free, they do seem to carry a fraction of the risk. Allowing vaping on campus will help many smokers quit and remain smoke free. The smoking ban could help create a new social norm where smoking is unusual.
Do you need help quitting smoking?
Free support is available on campus to help students who would like to quit smoking. For more information see the Quit Smoking webpages or visit the help and support desk in the Union. NHS Smokefree and Smokefree.gov are valuable websites which provide support, advice and guidance on quitting smoking.
Supporting a friend who is trying to quit?
Don’t Lecture
Lecturing or nagging a friend about smoking won’t help your friend quit — they may not come to your for help when they really need it. Instead, listen and offer positive support.
Distract
Help your friend overcome cravings by offering them distractions. Some ideas might be making a phone call, doing some crafts or playing board games in order to keep their hands busy.
De-stress
Quitting smoking can be stressful which, in turn, may make your friend reach for the cigarette. If you notice that your friend is stressed, suggest a smoke-free stress relieving activity such as yoga or a visit to a comedy club.
References
(1) Smoke Free NHS. (2019). Available at [https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/e-cigarettes]
(2) GOV.UK. (2018). PHE Health Harms campaign encourages smokers to quit.
