The University of Iowa smoking ban is coming to the end of its second year, and its effects are being seen around campus.
By Maggie Cunningham
It has been almost two years since the University of Iowa smoking ban went into effect, and students are recognizing its benefits.
According to a study done by UI journalism students, 70.3 percent of students surveyed “strongly agree” with the statement ‘Overall, people at the University of Iowa benefit from the smoking ban in regards to their health.’ And an additional 9.9 percent agreed.
Wes Freie, a senior, said, “I see less and less smokers around campus, and I like it. I used to smoke, but I used the ban as a way to help myself quit. As of July 1, 2010, I haven’t had a cigarette in two whole years. I feel better, and because of the ban I’m not tempted by other smokers on campus.”
Although the majority has seen the smoking ban as a successful plan thus far, there is a small group of people that do not. 11.9 percent of the people surveyed said they saw no benefits to the smoking at all.
Lisa Gariti, a sophomore, said, “I don’t think the ban has done much at all to stop the smoking. I can’t walk to class without getting stuck behind someone with a cigarette. If there was better enforcement of the ban then the benefits would probably be greater.”
Some people have not seen the benefits to the smoking, but according to a study done by the University of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Public Health people’s health is benefitting. “There has been a 24 percent decrease in Iowa hospital admissions for coronary heart disease and a decrease in admissions for heart attacks and strokes since the state restricted smoking.”
The University of Iowa smoking ban began July 1, 2008. It started as a part of the Smoke-Free Air Act, and it banned smoking in all university owned buildings, vehicles, and on university owned property.
University of Iowa alum, Nate Price said, “When I attended UI we didn’t have the smoking ban and when I go back I notice the difference. I can’t imagine the large effect this has had on people’s health. My only wish was they started when I was there.”
