|
Kristina Hamilton of the American Lung Association said the
association has been leading the charge to encourage states to
expand their smoking bans to include e-cigarettes. A coalition
of partners across Illinois have been working with the
association for several years to prohibit vaping indoors, she
said.
“We are very excited that the ban is finally taking effect on
Jan. 1,” Hamilton said.
But critics say e-cigarettes are a safer alternative for smokers
who are trying to quit traditional cigarettes.
Shortly after the law was signed, Elizabeth Hicks with the
Consumer Choice Center warned the measure may push Illinoisans
back to cigarettes, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab.
“Taxpayers unfortunately also suffer in addition to consumers,”
Hicks said. “The annual Medicaid costs for smoking-related
illnesses in Illinois is over $2 billion, which is one of the
highest throughout the country.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health said in a statement
that banning indoor use of such products “sends a strong message
that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to smoking.”
Bystanders, workers and other vulnerable people can be harmed by
proximity to an e-smoker, Hamilton said.
“Microscopic toxic particles from e-cigarettes can linger in the
air,” Hamilton said. “Nicotine and the aerosol from e-cigarettes
exposes smokers and the people around them to harmful
substances, including heavy metals and volatile organic
compounds,” she said.
Hamilton said a ban on indoor vaping will also help with the
cultural change she said is needed to discourage kids from using
the products.
“The less that these cigarettes are seen being used in public
places, the less it will seem acceptable. And we will see the
usage rate reduced,” she said.
The Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits using cigars and
cigarettes inside public places and within 15 feet of entrances.
In 2024, e-cigarette products will be included in the ban.
|
|
