On Base Smoking

  • Published
The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

QUESTION 

As a retiree, I was recently told smoking on base is now prohibited, except in certain locations. How are we retirees to know this? We dont receive any information, the base doesnt notify us upon entrance to the base. If the main concern is the second hand smoke, I would think the second hand smoke from the aircraft exhaust and the vehicles WAY outprovide more bad health then the cigarettes. I do understand not smoking in public areas, such as buildings, but I was told I couldnt smoke in my own vehicle? The federal government controls nicotine quanties, therefore shouldnt we smokers all fall under the American Disability Act since the government? And if so, why is EAFB discriminating against the handicapped?


Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington
  RESPONSE

Thank you for the opportunity to further publicize implementation of Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, 'Tobacco Use in the Air Force,' published on 26 March 2012.

The AF Surgeon General estimates that at current tobacco use rates, over 30,000 Airmen will ultimately die of a tobacco-related medical complications. In addition the cost of providing health care services for smoking related conditions is staggering (DoD estimates $1.8 Billion in medical costs and lost time annually). This new instruction thoroughly updates the Air Force policy on tobacco use, to include expanding tobacco-free environments and restricting tobacco use on the installation to Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) and housing units. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, stem pipes, hookahs, and all smokeless tobacco products that are chewed, dipped, or sniffed.

EAFB is implementing this AFI in phases: the 28th Medical Group and surrounding areas became a tobacco-free campus on 9 November 2012, and by 1 April 2013 tobacco use at EAFB will only be permitted in easily identifiable DTAs and housing units. Once fully implemented across the base, signs at the installation entry point will clearly explain the policy.

The Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) continues to provide valuable resources on tobacco cessation and smoking prevention programs. Please contact the HAWC staff at 385-2349 for more information.