Submitted by Lassen County’s Public Health Tobacco Use Reduction Program
On August 20th, 2014 our Susanville City Council voted to include electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-shishas, e- hookahs and others) in the City’s no-smoking policy.
This action clarifies that electronic smoking devices are prohibited in the same manner as traditional smoking products. Within Susanville City electronic smoking devices are prohibited in the work place, inside businesses, and in movie theatres, restaurants and bars as well as within 20 feet of entrances and operable windows of public buildings.
All city regulations that pertain to smoking now include the electronic smoking devices. Susanville City Parks and special events such as Uptown Halloween and the Magical Country Christmas are a part of this ban.
The Lassen County Public Health Tobacco Use Reduction Program commends and thanks our City Council for joining with many U.S. cities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by taking a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach to regulating the use of electronic smoking devices so that the public is protected. Science hasn’t yet determined the long term health effects of electronic smoking devices.
Currently research shows potential risks including exposure to carcinogens, toxic substances and high levels of nicotine.
The claim that only ‘water vapor’ is exhaled has been proven false. Secondhand smoke is an issue. Secondhand aerosols, not “water vapor”, depending on the ingredients of the individual electronic smoking device, can be seen and smelled. It’s not just water vapor. This is secondhand smoke.
There are many enticing flavors that appeal to us and definitely to our youth. There is bubblegum, strawberry, peach, apple, cherry, chocolate, coffee, cotton candy and more. And, there is a huge concern regarding just what can be infused into an electronic smoking device. A bigger concern is that an electronic smoking device can be altered to smoke marijuana oil or other drugs.
Common sense tells us to protect ourselves and our families from the dangers of electronic smoking devices. Thank you Susanville City.
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