Problem/Objective: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is associated with morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, asthma, SIDS, and other illnesses. While 25-30% of students smoke, little is known about exposure of college students to SHS. This paper provides data on self-reported exposure of college students to SHS.

Methods: A web-based survey of a random sample of undergraduate students at 10 universities (8 public, 2 private) in North Carolina (N=4232).

Results: 53% of students reported being in the same room with someone who was smoking in the past seven days. Additionally, 51% reported being in a restaurant, and another 51% reported being in a bar, club, cocktail lounge or sports arena where they were exposed to SHS. 37% reported being in a car with someone who was smoking in the past seven days. Although responses differed by smoking status, a substantial number of non-smokers reported being exposed to SHS. Students over the age of 21 report more exposure to SHS. In multivariate models, being exposed to SHS in a car, in your home or room, or in a bar or restaurant was associated with being female, a Greek, a binge drinker, and getting drunk in a typical week. Nearly all nonsmokers (93.9%) and the majority of smokers (57.8%) reported that SHS was somewhat or very annoying.

Conclusions: College students experience high levels of exposure to secondhand smoke. College administrators, policymakers, and others should develop strategies for minimizing exposure of college students to secondhand smoke.