Tobacco Free Living instruction updated, brings notable changes

  • Published
  • By Dana Baugh
  • 354th Medical Operations Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A new sign is posted at the Hursey Gate. It states "Tobacco use is allowed only in Designated Tobacco Areas."

You might be wondering, what is a Designated Tobacco Area? AFI 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, outlines the DTA as the only place tobacco can be used outdoors.

So, what are the rules for a DTA? For location, DTAs are to be 50 feet or more from building entrances, pedestrian walkways, parking lots, dining areas and athletic grounds, and 100 feet or more from playgrounds.

Preventing second-hand tobacco smoke in areas where non-tobacco users are located is extremely important for health reasons as there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.

The U.S. Air Force defines Tobacco as "all products that may be configured to deliver nicotine, including but not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs, vaporizers, smokeless products that are chewed, dipped, sniffed or 'vaped' and any other nicotine delivery system that the Food and Drug Administration defines as a tobacco product."

As the Air Force continues to develop a higher performing population, in accordance with Comprehensive Airman Fitness, Airmen may see commanders establishing guidance for Tobacco Free Living. To assist with making changes, barriers to access medical prescriptions have been lowered.

At this time you are not required to take a tobacco cessation class if you are interested in quitting. However, the best results come from counseling and support groups with a medical prescription.

If interested, book an appointment with your primary care manager and they can assist you with getting started.

Health Promotions still offers the support group with medication and mental health can assist with counseling for addiction.

Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It decreases people's ability to be their best and increases the cost of preventable health care costs.

If you are interested in taking steps to become a healthier you, contact the appointment line to schedule an appointment with your PCM at 377-1847 or Health Promotions at 377-9355.