Overview
In an effort to maintain a safe and healthy environment, Georgetown University became smoke and tobacco-free in 2020. The policy prohibits the use of any smoking device or tobacco in or on university-owned or leased buildings, grounds and vehicles by all students, staff, faculty, contractors and visitors. These can include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, vape pens or hookah.
Health Impacts
Cigarette Smoking
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Cigarettes and secondhand smoke contribute to nearly one in five deaths, with close to 480,000 deaths annually.
E-cigarettes
Many people are familiar with the harmful health impacts from cigarette smoking and how it negatively influences nearly every body organ and causes many diseases, but not everyone is familiar with the health effects of vaping and e-cigarettes. Vaping can expose individuals to harmful substances like:
- Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead
- Tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Volatile organic compounds
- Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease. Some flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the lungs process substances differently than the gut.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure
According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a mixture of two forms of smoke produced by burning tobacco. Mainstream smoke is the smoke exhaled by a person who smokes tobacco. Sidestream smoke is the smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar, or smoke from tobacco burning in a hookah. Even if you don’t smoke, others who are smoking near you can cause harmful effects, which can include difficulty breathing, nasal irritation, various cancers, poorer birth outcomes and more. The CDC states that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking
The CDC notes that quitting smoking has a number of health benefits, both to the individual and those around them, and is beneficial at any age. Benefits of quitting smoking include:
- Improves health status and enhances quality of life.
- Reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy.
- Reduces the risk for many adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and poor reproductive health outcomes.
- Benefits people already diagnosed with coronary heart disease or COPD.
- Benefits the health of pregnant women and their fetuses and babies.
- Reduces the financial burden that smoking places on people who smoke, health care systems and society.
Cessation Resources
Students
The Student Health Center offers appointments to discuss options for quitting and clinical interventions available. To schedule an appointment, please visit the Student Health Center website or call 202-687-2200.
Faculty & Staff
Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting and clinical interventions that are right for you. There are several resources available to faculty and staff members through all university-sponsored medical plans and Health Advocate’s 12-week online course.
General Resources
- The American Cancer Society has a guide for quitting tobacco use.
- The American Heart Association has many resources available.
- Build a Quit Kit at smokefree.gov.
Why Smoke-Free Campuses Matter
Georgetown is among more than 2,000 U.S. colleges and universities that are smoke and tobacco-free. In addition to promoting a healthy environment, these policies also have broader impacts that make campuses safer, such as reducing fire risk, and cleaner by reducing littering.
FAQs
What types of smoking are prohibited?
Any smoking, including vaping and smoking in your vehicle, is prohibited on campus.
Are there any areas on campus where I am allowed to smoke?
No, if you want to smoke, you must leave any Georgetown properties in order to do so.
What would happen if I smoked or used other tobacco products on campus?
Individuals who do not abide by the smoke-free policy may face disciplinary action, or, if a visitor, may be asked to leave campus.
What should I do if I see someone smoking on Georgetown properties?
If you feel comfortable, in a polite and non-confrontational manner, you may use the following script: “Hello, I’m not sure if you are aware, but Georgetown is a smoke-free campus. I would appreciate it if you could stop (smoking/vaping). Thank you.”