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<br />Tobacco residue is noticeably present in dust throughout places where smoking has occurred. (Matt,
<br />G.E.; Quintana, P.J.E.; Hovell, M.F.; Bernert, J.T.; Song, S.; Novianti, N.; Juarez, T.; Floro, J.; Gehrman, C.; Garcia, M.;
<br />Larson, S., “Households contaminated by environmental tobacco smoke: sources of infant exposures,” Tobacco Control 13(1):
<br />29-37, March 2004.)
<br />
<br />Given the rapid sorption and persistence of high levels of residual nicotine from tobacco smoke
<br />on indoor surfaces, including clothing and human skin, this recently identified process represents an
<br />unappreciated health hazard through dermal exposure, dust inhalation, and ingestion. (Sleiman, M.; Gundel,
<br />L.A.; Pankow, J.F.; Jacob III, P.; Singer, B.C.; Destaillats, H., "Formation of carcinogens indoors by surface-mediated reactions
<br />of nicotine with nitrous acid, leading to potential thirdhand smoke hazards," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
<br />of the United Sates of America (PNAS) 107(15): 6576-6581, February 8, 2010.)
<br />
<br />Unregulated high-tech smoking devices, commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes, or “e-
<br />cigarettes,” closely resemble and purposefully mimic the act of smoking by having users inhale vaporized
<br />liquid nicotine created by heat through an electronic ignition system. After testing a number of e-cigarettes
<br />from two leading manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that various
<br />samples tested contained not only nicotine but also detectable levels of known carcinogens and toxic
<br />chemicals, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines and diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in
<br />antifreeze. The FDA’s testing also suggested that “quality control processes used to manufacture these
<br />products are inconsistent or non-existent.” ([n.a.], "Summary of results: laboratory analysis of electronic cigarettes
<br />conducted by FDA," Food and Drug Administration (FDA), July 22,2009;
<br />http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm173146.htm Accessed on: October 22,2009.)
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<br />E-cigarettes produce a vapor of undetermined and potentially harmful substances, which may
<br />appear similar to the smoke emitted by traditional tobacco products. Their use in workplaces and public
<br />places where smoking of traditional tobacco products is prohibited creates concern and confusion and
<br />leads to difficulties in enforcing the smoking prohibitions. During the Summer of 2015, the US Food and
<br />Drug Administration held three (3) public workshops to obtain more detailed information on electronic
<br />cigarettes and the public health. Currently only e-cigarettes that are marketed for therapeutic purposes are
<br />currently regulated by the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). The FDA has issued
<br />a proposed rule that would extend its authority to cover e-cigarettes, which is to be acted upon in 2016.
<br />
<br />The Society of Actuaries has determined that secondhand smoke costs the U.S. economy roughly
<br />$10 billion a year: $5 billion in estimated medical costs associated with secondhand smoke exposure and
<br />$4.6 billion in lost productivity. (Behan, D.F.; Eriksen, M.P.; Lin, Y., "Economic Effects of Environmental Tobacco
<br />Smoke," Society of Actuaries, March 31, 2005.)
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<br />Numerous economic analyses examining restaurant and hotel receipts and controlling for
<br />economic variables have shown either no difference or a positive economic impact after enactment of
<br />laws requiring workplaces to be smoke free. Creation of smoke free workplaces is sound economic policy
<br />and provides the maximum level of employee health and safety. (Glantz, S.A. & Smith, L., “The effect of
<br />ordinances requiring smokefree restaurants on restaurant sales in the United States.” American Journal of Public Health,
<br />87:1687-1693, 1997; Colman, R.; Urbonas, C.M., "The economic impact of smoke-free workplaces: an assessment for Nova
<br />Scotia, prepared for Tobacco Control Unit, Nova Scotia Department of Health," GPI Atlantic, September 2001.)
<br />Smoke Free Air Ordinance
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