NJ Bans E-Cigarette Use in Public
Joins VA, Suffolk County, Others, in Growing Movement

New Jersey this afternoon joined Virginia, Suffolk County, NY, and some foreign countries in banning the use of e-cigarettes [e-cigs] in places where smoking is already prohibited.  The bill also bans the sale of the controversial product to people under 19 years of age, says professor John Banzhaf of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), an organization which is leading the battle against e-cigs on many fronts, and which provided a detailed medical and legal analysis supporting the bill.

The New Jersey Senate just passed the bill 38-0, after it was unanimously adopted by the Assembly.  The Governor is expected to sign it.  A number of other jurisdictions are considering similar measures in a reaction to the growing use of e-cigs -- where users blow large clouds of nicotine, propylene glycol, and smaller amounts of various toxins and carcinogens -- in no-smoking sections where nonsmokers expect protection from pretend smokers as well as real ones, says Banzhaf.

ASH's detailed report in support of the bill pointed out that bystanders are forced in inhale large amounts of nicotine (a highly addictive and deadly drug which can trigger heart attacks), and propylene glycol (a respiratory irritant used in antifreeze and known to cause respiratory tract infections).

The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] has also found that e-cigs contain a variety of previously undisclosed toxic chemicals and cancer-causing substances. Because the FDA has not approved and does not regulate e-cigs -- having declared them "illegal" -- there is little protection against other contaminants in e-cigs and their vapor, especially since many if not most e-cigs are made in China.  One manufacturer actually adds Cialis to his e-cigs.

For more background information, please see: http://www.pr-inside.com/nj-poised-to-ban-e-cigarettes-in-r1626034.htm

For a copy of the bills, see:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S3500/3053_U1.PDF
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S3500/3054_I1.PDF

PROFESSOR JOHN F. BANZHAF III
Professor of Public Interest Law at GWU, and
Executive Director and Chief Counsel
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
America's First Antismoking Organization
2013 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006, USA
(202) 659-4310 // http://ash.org
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Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
701 4th St. NW / Washington, DC 20001 / (202) 659-4310
A national nonprofit, scientific and educational organization founded in 1967.
All donations are fully tax deductible.