Opinion: “Systematic issues cannot be fixed overnight.” >>See page 6
Woodhull embraces Knoxville art >>See page 8
Jones eliminating home game distractions >>See page 11
UT’s tobacco use policies also apply to vaping on campus. Esther Choo • The Daily Beacon
Rise of electronic cigarettes warrant no change in tobacco policy Connor Barnhill Staff Writer
Cigarettes are going electronic, but it doesn’t mean the rules have to change. Vape pens and e-cigarettes have increased in popularity over the past few years. In previous years at UT, to see them on campus — if anyone saw them at all — would be a rare occurrence. Today, they have become almost common place. What is less popular knowledge is how these devices are treated on campus and if university administrators were concerned enough to cre-
Volume 130 Issue 55
ate a policy addressing those who vape. According to the current policy, UT prevents any smoking in a university building or within 25 feet of its entrance. But despite these differences, the policy does not distinguish between smoking and vaping. E-cigarettes or vaporizers mainly differ from cigarettes in the reduced chemical and nicotine levels in vapors. Instead of smoke, the user inhales heated propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin heated to the point to produce vapors. While some e-cigarettes may not contain nicotine at all, they are not completely harmless. The Teen Therapy Center’s official website stresses repeatedly that, as of yet, there are no
scientific studies proving that vape pens and e-cigarettes are not harmful. Sarah Carroll, sophomore in graphic design and an avid vaper, claims that the benefits outweigh the unforeseen risks. “For me, it’s a much healthier alternative to smoking a cigarette, which has over 200 chemicals,” Carroll said. “Although vape pens generate much larger clouds than cigarettes do, which can annoy some students, they don’t smell bad like the clouds cigarettes produce.” Carroll said the policy is not a hindrance in her daily activities, and she said she doesn’t mind that the policy does not distinguish between smoking and vaping.
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“Even if the policy said that vape pens or e-cigarettes could be used anywhere on campus, I would only vape in the smoking areas anyway out of courtesy to other students,” Carroll said. While some vapers do not share Carroll’s view on the premise of no harmful effects on bystanders --- like second-hand smoke from traditional cigarettes --- the UT administration recognizes that as an issue. Brian Browning, director of Administrative Services, likewise cited courtesy for other students as the main reason the policy does not differentiate between smoking and vaping. See VAPING on Page 3
Tuesday, November 10, 2015