Smoking Ordinance to Include E-Cigs

1.http://star.txstate.edu/node/945

2. Category of Problem/Issue: Health

3. Level of Problem: Local

4. The article concerns:
-The Clean Air Ordinance not only bans smoking inside any public indoor place, but also includes "vaping"

5. Why is this important to individuals/families OR How does it affect individuals/families?

-The smoking ban is beneficial to everyone's health, but not everyone is happy about this. Second hand smoke is harmful to everyone's health, and the introduction of e-cigs was supposed to be a healthier choice. Now that the smoking ban includes e-cigs, this isn't making people too happy.

6. What are your views on the issue/problem?

-There is still a debate as to whether the vapor from e-cigs are harmful or harmless. I personally don't smoke cigarettes, but most of the people I surround myself with do (a lot). I'm not a fan of cigarettes because cancer runs in my family and cigarettes and their smoke are carcinogens. I think that the smoking ban will discourage people from smoking cigarettes and create healthier environments. I love going out to the square and it really sucks when you come home and your hair and clothes reek of cigarette smoke. When g-pens and e-cigs were introduced I thought it was a great alternative because it's supposed to be "healthier" for the smoker and the people around you, and it also doesn't make you come home smelling like an ash tray. I think that including g-pens and e-cigs in the ban is unnecessary at the moment, considering we don't have enough evidence that the second hand vapor is harmful. It would have at least been an easier transition for those smokers! Regardless, I'm not a smoker myself so it doesn't concern me, and the decision will be for the benefit of everyone's health.