Vancouver city councillors have voted unanimously to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces around the city.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered vaporizers that simulate tobacco smoking without any real smoke. It generally uses a heating element known as an atomizer, that vaporizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid. The little device has gained a lot of popularity among tobacco users and something you are guaranteed to see at every local night market.
With the new ban in effect, users won’t be able to use their e-cigarettes in areas that smoking is not permitted (beaches, restaurants, patios, etc) which make the ideal location for e-cigarette users. The ban also restricts the sale of the e-cigarette to minors within city limits.
While most believe the device is a healthier and safer option to consume tobacco, the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes are still uncertain.
The ban also bring a lot of controversy in the city. According to a poll conducted by Metro, 65 percent of 2,500 readers opposed the ban. Health organizations however are glad the ban has passed.
“We see this as a public health victory. Tobacco smoking is still responsible for 85 per cent of lung cancer and 30 per cent of all cancer,” said Kathryn Seely, the society’s director of public issues.
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