WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes, reacted to the introduction of an ordinance by members of the Madison City Council that would ban vaping in all locations in the city where smoking tobacco is banned. The ban would even extend to e-cigarette specialty stores (“vape shops”).
Gregory Conley, President of the American Vaping Association, issued the following statement:
“On Monday, the Oxford Dictionary declared ‘vape’ — the act of using a smoke-free electronic cigarette — to be their word of the year. Apparently that memo did not reach members of the Madison City Council, as their proposed ordinance would deceitfully redefine the word ‘smoking’ to include the use of a smoke-free product.
“Contrary to false claims made by activists and members of the Council, we do know what is in exhaled e-cigarette vapor. The chemicals that have been identified are present at such trace levels that no serious toxicologist would claim that vapor poses a risk to the health of bystanders.
“It is especially cruel to ban vaping in a city known for its frigid temperatures. For many smokers, the ability to stay out of the cold acts as a powerful incentive to give up cigarettes and switch to vaping. Sending ex-smokers out in the cold to huddle alongside smokers will inevitably lead some to relapse.
“Even worse, this ordinance would senselessly ban vaping in all of Madison’s seven dedicated vape shops. Meanwhile, cigar bars and hookah lounges in Madison will remain open for business. Even cities known for being hostile to be small businesses like New York City and Chicago have recognized the public health and financial benefits of vape shops, as their vaping bans specifically exempt all current and future vape shops from usage prohibitions.
“Many bars and restaurants in Madison welcome vaping, while others do not. In light of the complete absence of evidence showing harm from e-cigarette vapor, Madison should continue to allow businesses to set their own policies.”
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website.
For more information on the toxicology of e-cigarettes, please see these sources.
For more information on e-cigarettes and their efficacy for helping smokers kick the habit, please see these studies.
About the American Vaping Association
The American Vaping Association is a nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and sensible regulation of vapor products, otherwise known as electronic cigarettes, with the goal of maximizing the number of adult smokers who use these products to quit smoking. The AVA was founded by Gregory Conley, a consumer and industry advocate with a long track record of advocating for vapor products dating back to 2010.
We are dedicated to educating the public and government officials about public health benefits offered by vapor products, which are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid nicotine or nicotine-free solution and create an inhalable vapor. The AVA is not a trade group and does not speak for any particular businesses, including our industry sponsors.
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
