HSPH has maintained smoke-free buildings for many years. "The extension of the smoke-free zone is in keeping with the public health mission," said Paul Riccardi, Dean for Administration and Operations, whose department has implemented the policy. Smoking is recognized by researchers as the largest preventable cause of disease and death in the US. The new rule will also help prevent the intake of cigarette smoke into HSPH buildings.

"This is a school of public health, and we need to promote healthy behaviors and an anti-smoking message," said Susan Moses, deputy director of the Center for Health Communications, who agrees with the rule. She has worked on a project to reduce and de-normalize the depiction of smoking in feature films and television programs popular with teens. "People shouldn’t have to walk through smoke to get into our buildings."

Nick Susi, an animal lab technician at HSPH and a smoker, said he has no problem with the policy. He said he wouldn’t want to affect others with his cigarette smoke, adding, "It’s my dirty little habit."

Last year, HSPH faculty voted not to accept research funding from tobacco manufacturers and their subsidiaries, putting what was current practice into official policy.

Security will help maintain the ban. Questions may be directed to Operations at 617-432-1152.