Although the risks of smoking have been repeated profusely, it’s still prevalent on the Iowa State campus.

That’s despite a recent Harvard study that says by the year 2020, smoking will be the leading cause of death and disability.

But a growing intolerance for smoking has affected the locations where smokers are allowed to light up on campus. Smokers can be seen most frequently outside of buildings between classes, even in the dead of winter.

Aimee Jacoby, a junior in art and a smoker, realizes the dangers. “I think government prevention is helping to stop people from smoking. I know I need to quit, but its hard,” Jacoby said.

The effects of second-hand smoke is one of the main reasons smoking has been prohibited in many public places on campus. Still, many smokers feel they are being discriminated against.

“I think in most buildings it is fair to have smoking prohibited. In the Memorial Union I think they should have a smoking room again,” Jacoby said.

Randy Mayer, coordinator of health education for the Student Health Center, does not feel the Trophy Tavern room in the Memorial Union should be re-established. The Tavern, formerly a smoking haven, was converted to a smoke-free environment during recent renovations.

“From a public health standpoint, I feel there should be no smoking rooms. The Trophy Tavern room wasn’t well ventilated, and was unhealthy to the smokers,” Mayer said. “Not having a room helps people to stop smoking.”

Smoking is still permitted at the Maintenance Shop in the Memorial Union. Mayer feels that this is also an unhealthy environment, and smoking should be prohibited.

Kathy Svec, Memorial Union marketing coordinator, said Union officials did everything they could to stop the dispersion of smoke from the Trophy Tavern room, but it could not be prevented. The openness of the new renovation at the Union forced its demise.

“We gave the Trophy Tavern room the best try that we possibly could, and it simply did not work,” Svec said. “Were doing better in the Maintenance Shop, but the air system is simply not the best.”

Cigarette vending machines, a national controversy because of regulation concerns, can still be found on the ISU campus. “The Memorial Union is the only location on campus that has cigarette vending machines, and they’ve been here for 25 years,” said Don Sondall, assistant manager for vending machines.

“We plan on keeping the cigarette vending machines in the Memorial Union until we can’t keep them anymore,” Sondall said.

The percentage of smokers at ISU is not known, although there will be a survey done later on in the year, Mayer said. “Smoking is increasing for this age group,” he said.

A free smoking sensation clinic for students will start Wednesday of this week for those who want to quit smoking. The six-week program is sponsored by the Wellness Center. Contact Corey Vas at the Wellness Center for further information.