Walking passed someone blow­ing smoke in your face is unpleasant regardless of whether the recipient smokes. It’s rude and is a potential health hazard to others, which is why there are designated smok­ing areas situated around campus. Unfortunately, that might be chang­ing very soon.

Several college campuses are becoming smoke-free. Pierce College has recently issued a smok­ing ban, though an opinion article by Antonio Hernandez, a con­tributor on The Roundup student newspaper, states, “It’s more like a collective ‘please don’t smoke on campus,’ rather than an actu­al rule.” According to Meredith Leonard, a Valley College earth sciences instructor on the Work Environment Committee (WEC), several factors are being considered for the proposed ban.

“I wouldn’t describe the com­mittee as ‘trying to move towards a smoke-free campus,’” she said. “There are some on the committee in favor and some opposed. The shared governance process is meant to ensure that everyone is heard and represented.”

Off campus, advertise­ments from organizations like TobaccoFreeCA can be seen on the subway, cigarette packages and electronic billboards that count the number of deaths from smoking cigarettes this year like a grim lottery. Smoking is bad for your health. Every smoker and non-smoker knows that. Yet smoking persists, even at Valley, and it should be allowed to stay that way – albeit with consideration for everyone else.

Other health risks on cam­puses have become a concern for both administrators and the gov­ernment, such as the quality of school food. Many high schools have banned sugary drinks and provided healthier options, but the motions have yet to reach col­leges. While eating these types of foods increases the risk of diabe­tes, heart disease, and according to researchers, cancer, it doesn’t stop students and society from doing so. Also, governments don’t issue labels with diseased organs on the package or berate consumers with the risks.

Individuals will exercise their right to have vices and partake in unhealthy habits. Regardless of the vice, it should be allowed, so long as there is consideration for others. Smoking in the parking lots and designated areas could resolve this issue without having to resort to a ban, but every­one needs to do their part. The designated smoking areas should be noted and used; non-smokers should avoid these areas, and smokers should stay there; and fines should be issued for those who break the rules.

Health risks are everywhere, and individuals take those risks. Driving a car increases the risk of collision and emits toxins in the air. A report from the National Library of Medicine highlighted the risks of benzene, a cancer-causing toxin, in cars. It’s up to drivers to be considerate of one another and make certain choic­es. The same goes for smokers. Students, staff and faculty should work to ensure that everyone is considered. Even if the ban isn’t passed, students need to be aware of their behavior. Litter from cig­arettes, paper and food packages should be disposed of properly. Students should take pride in the campus, help keep it clean and be aware of their peers’ concerns.