On Jan. 1, 2012, Emory University implemented a tobacco-free policy prohibiting the use of all tobacco products on Emory and Emory Healthcare properties. 

Emory joins more than 580 other U.S. colleges and universities and more than 2,800 hospitals and healthcare institutions that have also eliminated the use of tobacco campus-wide.

The university made the policy change because tobacco is the only legally regulated substance that even if used in moderation is proven to be harmful to health. Secondhand smoke is also known to cause disease; data shows that even those exposed to secondhand smoke have higher risk of illnesses related to tobacco use, including increased mortality.

The new policy will be enforced through community enforcement where faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors will be asked to comply with the policy by their peers on campus.

Based on feedback on the policy change, Emory will establish 14 temporary areas where tobacco use will be permitted for a limited time.   Faculty, staff and students who currently use tobacco are encouraged to take advantage of several cessation programs that Emory is currently offering free of charge, including classes and cessation medications. For more information on Emory’s tobacco-free initiative, visit www.tobaccofree.emory.edu.