April 10, 2009
Tobacco use on base – Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable premature mortality in the U.S. among adults. Smoking-related health care and productivity loss cost the Department of Defense (DoD) nearly a billion dollars each year. Cigarette smoking may cause heart disease, several kinds of cancer, and chronic lung disease. Because the health of tobacco users is adversely affected and because the health of all personnel must be protected by providing a safe, healthy and nonpolluted workplace, the Navy’s vision is to be tobacco free. Time spent for tobacco use shall occur only during approved break periods in designated tobacco use areas. Tobacco use is prohibited during time authorized for physical fitness, training and conditioning. Smokeless tobacco use is only permitted in designated tobacco use areas. Where smokeless tobacco use is permitted, tobacco spit shall be held in containers with sealing lids to prevent odor and accidental spills. The distance from building entry/egress which tobacco users must maintain is to be determined by commanding officers and must be at least 50 feet from any building entrance.