In November 2018, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued an executive order banning tobacco on all “grounds owned or leased by the state under the control of the executive branch.” The order also requires that the university post signs at building entrances and other obvious public areas stating that the sale and use of tobacco products, vaping products and e-cigarettes are prohibited in all buildings and on all grounds owned or leased by the state, except as otherwise provided in the executive order.

Exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products cause disease and premature death among nonsmokers. Any level of exposure to secondhand smoke presents a risk, and even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. Secondhand exposure also includes exposure to vaping aerosol — vaping smoke or cloud. It can contain potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organize compounds and cancer-causing agents.  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Although there has been progress in reduction of cigarette use, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping has dramatically increased. In Colorado, almost 27 percent of high school students use e-cigarettes, the highest user rate for youth in the nation, and fewer youth believe vaping to be risky. In fall 2018, 30 percent of new, CSU incoming students used e-cigarettes before arriving on campus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, policies that restrict tobacco use have been shown to help users quit and reduce use, as well as encourage never starting.