The University of Illinois is introducing a complete ban on all smoke-free tobacco products on campus.
The new regulation, announced on Thursday, will become effective next August. It comes as an expansion of the school’s smoke-free campus campaign started in 2014.
The university has banned all dissolvable forms of tobacco orbs and strips, including electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and chewing tobacco.
“All tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” said Michele Guerra, director of Campus Wellbeing Services. “And smokeless tobacco use, like smoking, is a known cause of several cancers, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and many avoidable health issues.”
Guerra further said the new ban shows university concern of health risks for college students, who can be more susceptible to nicotine addiction.
The ban will be applicable to all staff, students, and visitors and will extends to all indoor and outdoor areas of campus.