Editor,
We believe everyone should have free reign over his or her body. Piercings, tattoos or even drugs - these are personal choices and individual rights. Our motto has always been, "Your body, your choice." But when someone's actions directly infringe upon our personal health, we become quite irritated.
On campus from day to day, we stroll along to each class and then often suddenly find ourselves in a cloud of cigarette smoke. Most of the time, it is too late when we finally notice that someone walking or standing near us is exhaling puffs of harmful carcinogens into our breathing air. In just a couple short breaths, our lungs are filled with the dangerous toxins of tobacco from secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke is one of the only environmental pollutants that has been conclusively proven to be hazardous to the health of both adults and children. It is appalling that we students who do not smoke and those who do not wish to be exposed to such harmful substances have no way of completely preventing contact with it. What is even more appalling is that UNM Housing Services encourages students to smoke in places where other students have no chance of avoiding the poisons.
Every dorm on campus has been outfitted with smoker's stations that have been attached to the wall within five feet of the doors. Students are being asked to smoke in a place where other students have no opportunity to sidestep the hazard. Furthermore, those who live in the dorms must stop to find keys and unlock the door, which can cause upward of 30 seconds of exposure.
Every other building on campus has a "No smoking within 15 feet" sign, and we feel that this should be implemented for dormitories as well.
The University needs to implement and enforce policies that more effectively protect those who are conscious of their health, and Housing Services needs to take appropriate action to remove these hazards from campus residences.
Nathaniel Schneider
Kristen Woodruff
UNM students
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