smoke is a leading cause of disease in nonsmokers and is a major source of indoor air pollution. Secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, decreased respiratory function, reproductive problems and other health problems. There is no safe level of exposure to
smoke. The use of e-cigarettes is similar to the
of cigarettes. The long term health effects of e-cigarettes to direct users and to those exposed to the vapors are unknown and the safety of their use has not been scientifically demonstrated. The origin and quality of e-cigarette fluid ingredients are generally not known and may contain a number of constituents. Some of these constituents are potentially harmful and have been documented to include irritants, genotoxins and animal carcinogens.
Therefore, the City Council declares that the purpose of this Division O is to:
(1) Protect the public health, safety and welfare by better ensuring the ability of citizens to breathe safe and uncontaminated air;
(2) Affirm that the right to breathe has priority over the desire to smoke;
(3) Protect vulnerable populations including employees, children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions; and
(4) Restrict the use of e-cigarettes and other
in the same manner as
.
(Ord. 72-24, passed 4-24-1972; Ord. 80-58, passed 12-22-1980; recodified by Ord. 98-53, passed 11-16-1998; added by Ord. 2004-34, passed 7-19-2004; Ord. 2014-17, passed 11-17-2014)