Manabush

University Vape Survey and Ban

Posted 21st September 2016 by Dave Cross
The University of Arizona has set up a website to gather opinions, from the public and people on campus, about its plans to ban vaping. The language being used by those coordinating the project, and their latest policies, indicates that a ban will go ahead no matter what.

The university set up a “taskforce” to look at the issue of vaping in and around the university’s buildings and vehicles. From what investigation they did, the group has recommended: “that e-cigarettes be added to the list of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products that are prohibited from campus and from University activities and its vehicles.”

They claim to have uncovered the following evidence:

  • “E-cigarettes may compromise the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and community members who use them as well as those who are exposed to their vapours.” This includes things as superficial as people smelling someone’s vape, the laughable notion that second-hand vape is even a thing and that they don’t work as smoking cessation products.
     
  • “E-cigarette use by youth is a significant public health concern.” Ignoring all of the data, they say that ecigs encourage smoking. Also, by carefully cherry picking research, young vapers are more likely to engage in risky behavior – implying that having a vape will lead someone on to do something stupid. People may wonder what the taskforce did prior to formulating this report.
     
  • “E-cigarette use hinders enforcement of University tobacco and drug policies.” Like many similar weak-minded excuses given by British football clubs, it’s impossible to tell the difference between a temperature-controlled box mod and a cigarette, according to the team.
     
  • “A growing number of colleges and universities prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on campus,” and they may as well have said ‘we should act like sheep’.

In the proposed new smoking and tobacco policy they appear to have overcome their inability to identify what an ecig is and give a comprehensive selection of devices including e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes and vape pens. Some may question whether or not the taskforce is too reliant on pharmaceutical company funding? The allowed products on campus will be “smoking cessation products, such as nicotine patches, nasal sprays that contain nicotine, and nicotine gums.”

Indeed, looking through the full report they compiled is like leafing through the publicity materials produced by the derided Californian health activists. It mentions fine particulates, aldehydes and the misguided link to popcorn lung…not to mention the ridiculous study that claims vapour exacerbates problems for those with asthma.

But it is when the report states that “Research shows college students who use the devices are more likely to … eventually smoke cigarettes” it can be recognized for what it is. There is no research proving this, there is no data to support such a statement.

Vape Club

You can go along to the website set up by the university to leave your comments here.


 Dave Cross
Article by Dave Cross
Freelance writer, salad destroyer and live culture convert.
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