College administrators are taking another look at the issue of smoking in the academic setting. No longer is secondhand smoke (SHS) merely an issue of annoyance. Since 1993, SHS has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Class A carcinogen, a classification used only for substances proven to cause cancer in humans. According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level for exposure to tobacco smoke.

Piedmont Technical College is addressing those concerns. Like many other colleges and universities across South Carolina, PTC will become a tobacco-free campus beginning August 26. This includes all locations in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda.

The policy has been a work in progress for several years. In 2006, administrators enacted a policy limiting the use of tobacco products to designated locations. Students, faculty and staff were surveyed on the prospect of a 100 percent tobacco-free policy.

“The overwhelming majority was in favor of a tobacco-free campus,” said Becky McIntosh, vice president of student development. “But, what impressed me the most was the concern that the non-smokers had for preserving the rights of those who did smoke.”

The transition to a 100 percent tobacco-free environment is following the national trend. According to a recent article in USA Today, at least 350 college and university campuses are 100 percent tobacco free with no exemptions. There are also 49 campuses that are 100 percent smoke-free with minor exemptions for remote outdoor areas and 855 universities and colleges with a 100 percent smoke-free residential housing policy.

“Piedmont Technical College is concerned about the toll that smoking and tobacco use has on the health and well-being of the college community,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president. “As a public institution of higher education with departments that have interest in and treat the effects of smoking, secondhand smoke and other tobacco use, PTC believes it has an obligation to exercise leadership by promoting a healthy tobacco-free environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

Photo Caption: Piedmont Technical College automotive technology students John Davidson of Batesburg, left, Mike Damratowski of Abbeville and Ron Gurley of Iva take a break between classes. Beginning August 26, Piedmont Tech will become a tobacco-free campus.