During the seventh annual World No Tobacco Day celebrations in May Peterborough Public Health recognized Trent University as one of 11 community champions leading the way to creating a more tobacco-wise Peterborough region.

“World No Tobacco Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the growing number of local public health champions whose efforts connect us to the larger global movement to address the tobacco epidemic,” explains Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, medical officer of health with Peterborough Public Health. “Commercial tobacco smoke contains over 7 000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Though smoke may be invisible and odourless, it can linger in the air up for up to five hours, putting those exposed at risk of lung cancer, chronic respiratory disease and reduced lung function.”

Trent University was recognized with the “Exceeding the Standards Award,” presented to organizations and municipalities that go beyond the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and make policy change to support a smoke free environment. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas on campus as set out in the University’s Smoke-Free Policy. This goes beyond what is required in the Act which states that smoking is prohibited within nine metres of buildings and 20 metres from sports fields and children’s playing areas.

Health and wellness are integral at Trent University, with a culture that encourages students and faculty to stay active and find balance. The Trent experience includes opportunities for team sports, and active living with hiking and cycling trails.

Learn more about Peterborough Public Health’s World No Tobacco Day Awards