Tag Archive for: usa

Alabama Lawmakers Propose Ban on Vaping in Public Places

Alabama lawmakers are pushing to ban e-cigarettes and vapes from public places, similar to existing restrictions on cigarette smoking. House Bill 10, sponsored by state representative Barbara Drummond of Mobile, seeks to add electronic cigarettes to the list of items banned under the state’s 21-year-old Clean Air Act. If passed, Alabama could join a minority of states that have included e-cigarettes in their comprehensive smoking bans. Read more

New York Senate Passes Bill to Ban Child-Enticing E-Cigarettes

In a move to protect the state’s youth from the allure of vaping, the New York Senate passed Senate Bill S7882 last Wednesday, which aims to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes that resemble school supplies, children’s toys, or use packaging and advertising designed to appeal to minors. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez (D), imposes steep fines on violators, with a civil penalty of up to $1,500 for a first offense and $2,500 for each subsequent violation. Read more

Iowa PMTA Registry Bill Passes, Awaits Governor’s Decision

The Iowa General Assembly has successfully passed HF 2677, a PMTA registry bill that could potentially ban the sale of most vaping products in the state. The bill, which was approved by the House on April 3 and the Senate on April 19 with a vote of 42-4, now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to either sign it into law or veto it. Read more

Kentucky Becomes Sixth State to Enact PMTA Registry Law

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has signed House Bill 11 into law, making the state the sixth in the nation to implement a Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) registry law. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly on March 28, will take effect on January 1, 2025. Read more

NYC Sues 11 Companies for Illegal Distribution of Flavored Vapes

New York, NY – In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of flavored disposable vapes, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix announced today that the city has filed a lawsuit against 11 wholesalers. The defendants, located in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and upstate New York, are accused of distributing youth-friendly flavored disposable vapes to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and directly to consumers over the internet, in violation of federal, state, and city laws. Read more

Oklahoma House Bill: Vaping Regulation Enforcement Shift

Oklahoma House Bill Proposes Shifting Vaping Regulation Enforcement to Attorney General’s Office

In a recent development, House Bill 3971 has been introduced in the Oklahoma legislature, proposing to transfer the enforcement of regulations related to the purchase and sale of vapor products from the Oklahoma Able Commission to the Attorney General’s Office. Read more

New York Bill Bans Child-Appealing Vape Products

In an effort to address the growing concern of underage vaping, New York state Sen. Monica Martinez, a Democrat from Long Island, has introduced a new bill that seeks to ban the sale of e-cigarette products designed to appeal to minors. The legislation targets products that resemble school supplies or toys or are packaged in a way that attracts children.

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Vaping Laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Explained

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Vaping, also known as using electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, has become a growing concern for parents, educators, and health professionals in recent years. As more young people engage in this practice, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape and potential health risks associated with vaping in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Vaping Regulations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, e-cigarettes are defined as any electronic oral device that provides a vapor of nicotine or any other substance, simulating the act of smoking. This broad definition encompasses various devices, including vape pens, e-cigars, and e-pipes.

Key points about Pennsylvania’s vaping laws:

  • The sale of e-cigarettes or vapes to anyone under 21 (or under 18 for military members and veterans) is strictly prohibited.
  • Self-service displays of vapes are restricted to tobacco stores.
  • Vending machines for e-cigarettes are not allowed in locations accessible to persons under 21.
  • Stores must obtain retail licenses to sell e-cigarettes and vapes.
  • Vaping is prohibited in Pennsylvania schools, school vehicles, and on school property owned or leased by a School District.

While Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act has not been amended to prohibit vaping where smoking is banned, Philadelphia has implemented a city ordinance that does so. The city also restricts non-tobacco flavored and high-nicotine vapor products to adult-only stores.

Vaping Regulations in New Jersey

New Jersey’s vaping laws are similar to Pennsylvania’s, with some additional requirements:

  • The sale or distribution of e-cigarettes or vapes to anyone under 21 is prohibited.
  • E-liquids may only be sold at retail establishments licensed with the state.
  • Businesses selling vapor products must also stock at least one type of nicotine replacement therapy drug or device.
  • A special retail license or permit is required to sell e-cigarettes.
  • The use of electronic smoking devices or vapes is prohibited on all school grounds and any other place where smoking is banned under New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act.

Health Concerns Associated with Vaping

Beyond the legal considerations, parents and students should be aware of the potential health risks associated with vaping. A 2019 study found that long-term vaping puts people at a higher risk for respiratory disease compared to those who have never smoked. The e-liquids used in vaping devices can be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

According to the CDC, over 2,800 people were hospitalized with complications related to vaping in 2021 alone. Vaping often involves large doses of nicotine, which can slow brain development in children and teens. Additionally, secondhand smoke from vaping contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic.

Conclusion

Vaping presents a significant health problem for young people in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with risks that extend far beyond potential fines and legal consequences. Parents and students should familiarize themselves with the vaping laws in their respective states and take steps to educate themselves about the potential health impacts of this practice. By working together, families, educators, and healthcare professionals can help combat the growing vaping epidemic and protect the well-being of our youth.

New Study Ranks US States by Adult Vaping Rates 2024

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Where you reside may impact exposure to vaping. A new analysis from Forbes Advisor compared e-cigarette usage metrics across all 50 states, revealing significant variances – with Southern regions showing the most vapers while coastal areas demonstrate far less prevalence. Read more

Anti-vape bills pass second committees in Alabama

As the vaping epidemic continues to grow, Alabama is taking critical steps to counteract this dangerous trend. Two significant anti-vaping bills are currently making their way through the Legislature, drawing attention from all corners of the state. Each of these legislative proposals is only one vote away from becoming law. Their progression represents a pivotal moment in the fight against substance abuse among youth.

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