Berkeley, CA ban on e-cigs to be considered!

[Unkle Fun]

PLEASE READ: TODAY THERE WILL BE A HEARING THAT COULD POTENTIALLY TAKE AWAY YOUR RIGHTS!

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: Councilmember Kriss Worthington

Subject: Refer Electronic Cigarette Sale and Use to the Health Commission to

Consider Health Policy

RECOMMENDATION

Refer e-cigarette use to the Health Commission and request that they return to the

Council with a recommendation on whether or not to restrict the sale and use of nicotine

and non-nicotine e-cigarettes.

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes (also known as “vapes”) are devices that release either a nicotine

or non-nicotine vaporized solution. E-cigarettes are advertised as a “safe” option to

traditional smoking, and are, for the most part, unregulated.

Despite the claim that e-cigarettes are “harmless to those around you,” there is still

much research needed to confirm this assertion. With the option of a nicotine vapor, ecigarettes

present a possible danger to users and those exposed, as nicotine can have

a negative effect on the heart and circulatory system.

Manufacturers are not mandated to disclose the ingredients in e-cigarette liquid or the

substances that make up e-cigarette vapor. E-cigarettes generally work by heating

cartridges filled with chemicals, which causes chemical reactions that may form new,

possibly unsafe, compounds. Without full knowledge of the risks e-cigarettes present or

regulations in place, community members may be subjected to harsh chemicals that

can lead to many health issues.

A 2012 study in the journal Indoor Air found that exhaling e-cigarette vapor “releases

measurable amounts of carcinogens and toxins into the air, including nicotine,

formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde”; exposure to these types of compounds may cause

mouth and throat irritation, the most frequently reported side effect among e-cigarette

users. Matt Springer, an associate professor at UCSF in the Division of Cardiology, a

proponent of the need for further e-cigarette research, asked, “Should drug-containing

vapors be allowed in patient care areas and day care centers before the risks are

understood? The sensible answer is no.”

Dr. Neal L. Benowitz of UCSF points out that there are other “potential harms, including

promoting smoking of cigarettes and renormalizing cigarette smoking behaviors.” He

goes on to discuss other potential population harms, including uptake of smoking by

non-smokers, hindering the denormalization of smoking, and a new source of air

pollution, particularly in places with smoke-free policies.

The reinvigoration of advertising is also a main concern because e-cigarette marketing

tends to be geared toward youth by using young models to sell the product as stylish

and desirable. Marketing paired with the availability of e-cigarettes online and in

shopping malls in a variety of flavors, has some public health experts concerned that ecigarettes

could increase nicotine use and addiction for young people. Understanding

the effects of e-cigarette is essential to determining future regulations.

In July 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publicly discouraged the use

of electronic cigarettes, stating, “They do not contain any health warnings comparable to

FDA-approved nicotine replacement products or conventional cigarettes.” With such a

lack of knowledge regarding electronic cigarettes, it is essential that the Health

Commission conduct research into this issue and how it may affect the residents of

Berkeley.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

None.

CONTACT

Kriss Worthington, Councilmember, 981-7170

Jennifer Welden, Intern, 981-7170

[maureen mcdonald]

The potential benefits of vaping far outweigh the risks of cigarettes.  Devoid of tar, tobacco and chemical fillers, an adjustable range of nicotine level puts e-cigs into another league.  A former UCSF/ SFGH RN, I was educated in the concept of "harm reduction", and used this daily in my practice.  There simply is no comparison, and I believe vaping will become routine prevention protocol in medicine before long.

[Sam Cadillac]

Bear Nectar is a superior combination of 80% Kosher Pharmaceutical Grade Vegetable Glycerin, 20% Organic Flavor concentrates (PG based) and you're selected level of nicotine.

[Sam Cadillac]

No problem and thank you! Glad you're enjoying your experience, keep vaping! See you soon