L.A. Bans E-Cigarettes In Public Places
L.A. has banned e-cigarettes in all public places, including bars, restaurants, and anywhere else traditional cigarettes are not allowed. The ban was approved unanimously by the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday. The controversial measure is now in the hands of Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is expected to sign it into law.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain no tobacco.The battery-operated devices heat flavored liquid, which contains nicotine. As the liquid is heated it forms stem, which is inhaled by the user. Although they emit steam rather than smoke, critics are concerned that the vapor may be a health hazard.
Electronic cigarettes are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. According to the FDA, potential health hazards “have not been fully studied.” Therefore it is unclear whether the devices are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes.
The FDA has identified a potential risk as it is unclear “how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled” by users. Although e-cigarettes are not regulated, the FDA receives voluntary reports, which indicate some users have experienced adverse reactions.
Although the connection to e-cigarettes is not confirmed, the FDA has received reports of congestive heart failure, disorientation, hypotension, pneumonia, and seizure, associated with use of the devices.
While the FDA discusses potential risks for those who use e-cigarettes, The L.A. e-cigarette ban was approved to spare the health of others. During the discussion, Los Angeles County public health Director Jonathan Fielding explained that the vapor “could contain particulate matter and potentially toxic chemicals.”
As reported by KTLA News, others argued that the devices “normalize smoking” and may encourage more people to smoke traditional cigarettes.
Few studies are available to back the critics or supporters. However, e-cigarettes have been applauded for helping thousands of people quit smoking.
Although users are still receiving a dose of nicotine, they are avoiding numerous dangers associated with the smoke. The steam vapor emitted by the device has no discernible odor and is composed primarily of water droplets. For many former smokers, e-cigarettes are the perfect solution.
Despite the positive feedback, the L.A. e-cigarette ban will not be the first. Several other cities, including Chicago and New York, have banned the devices in public places.
Electronic cigarettes will likely remain a topic of debate. Although the devices have helped many smokers quit, critics are uncertain about the long-term health consequences. The L.A. e-cigarette ban will certainly fuel the continued controversy.
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