Proposed Wisconsin Bill Excludes Electronic Cigarettes From Indoor Smoking Bans

[Novaglarion]

http://www.casaa.org/CTA/article.asp?articleID=219&l=a&p=

If you are in Wisconsin do your part! Hopefully more states will follow!

[Viper Ron]

Lots of places in Illinois seem to let us vape but a law passed would be nice

[ThaLadyD]

Done!

We're allowed to vape in most places here too, so it surprised me this came up!

[Uma]

Splendid!!!!

(am I on candid camera????)

[nana]

Splendid!!!!

(am I on candid camera????)

You might be...did you check? LOL

[EcigNow]

urrggghhh..why can't they just leave vapers alone..go to smokers instead..sigh..and yes pls. exclude vaping from the ban..

Edited January 2, 2012 by EcigNow

[Ghostlarke]

Hope all states follow suit!

[sasetrase]

done and done

thanks!

[sasetrase]

Here is my edited version of what the CASAA has to offer. I simply changed some of the wording and mostly used their information. This is what I emailed my senators. I also attached CASAA's informative statistical review.

Dear Senator,

My name is Casey LeClaire I am an individual who lives in Little Chute, WI. I am a working class citizen and hope you will hear me out on this request. I had been a smoker for 7 years, two packs a day. A huge burden both financially and to my health. With the use of my ecigarette, which does not contain tobacco or any of the harmful additives the cigarette industry uses. I have effectively increased my expected lifespan and my working years. I will be less of a burden on the health industry and lead a more productive life. I cannot believe that some organizations consider this alternative to smoking a bad thing.

I am writing you to ask that you support the bill being introduced by Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) further clarifying that the statewide smoke-free indoor air law doesn't apply to smoke-free electronic cigarettes (ecigarettes.)

Wisconsin's smoke-free law was passed based upon accepted evidence that cigarette smoke poses a threat to the health of bystanders. As electronic cigarettes do not emit smoke, they pose none of the health risks imposed by secondhand smoke.

Although the current WI smoke-free workplace law doesn't ban the use of smoke-free electronic cigarettes, several organizations that oppose any usage of tobacco or nicotine have attempted to ban the use of e-cigarettes in other states by inaccurately claiming that using an e-cigarette is "smoking" and inaccurately claiming that the water vapor mist emitted by e-cigarettes is “smoke.” That is why Senator Grothman's bill further clarifies that the current WI smoke-free law doesn't ban the usage of e-cigarettes and why I strongly encourage your support for this legislation.

E-cigarettes have now been on the market for nearly 8 years, without any reports of adverse health effects related to their use or to exposure to the vapor by bystanders. It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million ex-smokers are now using the devices as a replacement for traditional cigarettes, myself included. Many different laboratory tests, studies and surveys have consistently found that e-cigarettes pose no known harm and have helped many people quit smoking and/or significantly reduce cigarette consumption. In fact, testing has shown them to be as low-risk as pharmaceutical nicotine products.

Many other users are not only reporting that e-cigarettes are an effective alternative to smoking, but that they are experiencing improved breathing, overall health and stamina.

E-cigarettes are easily distinguishable from traditional cigarettes, as many models do not look like traditional cigarettes.

Many are black, silver, blue, etc., with blue or green lights on the tip, if there is any light at all. There is no smoke, no ash, no embers, no offensive odor, no side stream smoke from the tip and no butts.

Surveys of e-cigarette users strongly indicate that the devices do not have a strong appeal for young adults or youth.

Higher start-up costs and maintenance requirements for e-cigarettes discourage youth from choosing e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes. The vast majority of e-cigarette users surveyed are current and former long-time smokers between the ages of 30 to 65. A great number of e-cigarette users report that traditional cigarettes to taste extremely foul after switching to e-cigarettes, further reducing the urge to return to smoking. This effect would greatly minimize the risk of ecigarettes introducing youth to smoking traditional cigarettes.

There is ample scientific evidence and scientific opinion (see attached) to support electronic cigarettes as reasonably safe and effective; and there is no evidence showing e-cigarettes pose a public health risk for users, bystanders or youth.

Once again, please support Senator Grothman's bill to clarify that WI's smoke-free law doesn't ban the usage of smokefree e-cigarettes.

Sincerely,

Casey LeClaire