The current LPC smoking policy is not preparing students for success because it is inconsistent with 100% smoke-free, vape-free and tobacco-free universities and workplaces across the state. These include all University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses.

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., while second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.. Chemicals like Acrolein (weed-killer), Diacetyl (linked to lung disease), and Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) have been found in vapes, while the number of teens and young adults becoming addicted to nicotine because of these products has skyrocketed in recent years. Big Tobacco has been making huge profits by targeting young people all across the country with tobacco products branded as character-themed and candy products, and people are waking up and fighting back.

The cities Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton have all passed legislation to get these products out of their cities, effectively curbing sales and access to youths. The picture above depicts the Livermore community taking a stand to oust these harmful products in the summer of 2019. Las Positas can do its part in this fight, too - by protecting its students and faculty with a strong smoke-free policy.

Because of these reasons, a 100% smoke-free campus policy should be implemented at Las Positas College to protect students, faculty, and local residents.