Possible Ban of Electronic Cigarettes in New York

A ban on electronic cigarettes seems to be a distinct possibility in New York as lawmakers debate the issue. It would be the first state ban, provoking a lot of discontent and criticism among those who believe that these afford the pleasures of smoking sans the threat to health.  The battery-operated devices heat nicotine for the user to get the flavor of smoking, but they emit only water vapor. Hollywood actress Katherine Heigl states, "You blow out water vapor so you're not harming anyone around you and you're not harming yourself. I'm essentially humidifying the space."

The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA)  says , “Banning e-cigarette sales to adults also would deny smokers in New York the opportunity to switch to a safer alternative."

Yet, health officials have condemned the e-cigarettes as an addictive habit that could lead to smoking addiction in even children. More importantly, as Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal comments, “The FDA has already said (e-cigarettes) contain carcinogens and chemicals found in antifreeze. But we don’t know exactly what’s in these products.” She advocates for a ban until the FDA passes its approval.

Voicing an opposing viewpoint, Elaine Keller of Springfield, Va., vice president of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association says, “I can't point to anything to say it's 100 percent safe. The thing is, it only needs to be safer. The only standard is that it's safer than smoking."



Source-Medindia