University of Memphis smokers are forced to smoke outside to help combat health problems, but that too is causing problems, according to some campus officials.
"On a daily basis, at the entrance of every building, there are 500 to 1,000 cigarette butts on the ground," said Calvin Strong, director of custodial and landscape services at The U of M. "It is an enormous eyesore."
Non-smokers as well as smokers seem to agree with Strong.
"People throwing cigarette butts on the ground pisses me off," said Anna Todd, sophomore student and smoker.
"I don't appreciate (smokers) leaving their trash laying around," said Adrienne Ward, a sophomore music education major and non-smoker. "There are receptacles everywhere."
Strong said there are currently newer, larger ashtrays outside some buildings, such as Manning Hall and the Administration Building. However, these ashtrays are more costly than effective, he said.
Strong said when students were allowed to smoke inside, they'd carry their cigarettes in with them and dispose of them properly.
Currently a small area in the Administration Building is the only place on The U of M campus where students can smoke indoors.
According to Ronnie Brooks, associate director of maintenance, his staff spends much of its time cleaning up damage due to past smoking in campus buildings.
"Previous smoking in buildings around campus caused stained walls, ceiling tiles and light bulb lenses," Brooks said.
Brooks said The U of M made the decision to prohibit smoking in many buildings around campus to protect students from health problems or concerns due to secondhand smoke.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, second-hand smoke may cause illnesses as minor as whooping cough and as severe as many types of cancers, not to mention the objections to the smell and allergic reactions that may be problems for some students.
"I don't want to bother other students, but I go to school here too," said Cheri Baker, a junior dance major and smoker.
Sarah Beard, a freshman biology major and smoker, said, "I don't have a problem with smoking outside unless it is raining."
