To all the vapers and vaperettes in New York, you’re going to want to sit down for this one. New York state has just banned vaping indoors in public places. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that will place the same restrictions on e-cigarettes as regular old cigarettes. That means e-cigarettes and vaping are banned in indoor public areas such as restaurants, bars, and workplaces. This follows a law that outlawed the smoking of e-cigarettes in all public and private schools that Cuomo signed in July.
“These products are marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes but the reality is they also carry long-term risks to the health of users and those around them,” Cuomo said in a press release. “This measure closes another dangerous loophole in the law, creating a stronger, healthier New York for all.” The governor’s office added, “These factors could lead to long-term adverse health effects for e-cigarette users and bystanders.”
“This is a good step because e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless,” said Julie Hart of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “This will help to ensure that all workers have access to clean air.”
On the other side, Vaper Rights defended e-cigarettes by saying, “E-vapor products are not cigarettes. You don’t light them, they don’t burn tobacco, and they produce vapor, not smoke (hence ‘vaping’ vs. ‘smoking’). The FDA classifies e-vapor products as tobacco products because they contain nicotine derived from tobacco.”
New York joins a growing list of states that have banned vaping in indoor public spaces including California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Utah. When it takes effect next month, New York’s new anti-vaping law will ban e-cigs under the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act. However, e-cigarettes can still be used in private homes, hotel rooms, and retail tobacco outlets.
Commence the well-researched and passionate debate between anti-vapers and vapers over e-cigarettes by calling each other derogatory names.
[NYDN]