E-Cigs Banned From Same Spaces As Cigarettes

Photo by Lindsey Fox

There has been a monumental increase in electronic cigarette usage among youth in the United States. In New York State, the use of vapes and e-cigarettes is not only a trend among people between ages 16 to 25, but a symbol of their lifestyle. For many students on the SUNY New Paltz campus, the vape is as common as the notebook in their bags.

According to the State of New York Public Health Law § 1399-AA, electronic cigarettes and vapes are restricted by all and any rules and regulations as regular cigarettes. On Monday, Nov. 21, 2017, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation banning all electronic cigarettes where tobacco is already prohibited throughout New York. Out of 64 SUNY campuses statewide, 21.9 % of them are completely smoke and tobacco-free. The SUNY New Paltz campus is not currently registered on the American Nonsmokers Rights Foundation list of Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free U.S. and Tribal Colleges and Universities”.

Sam Peck, a sophomore and Digital Media Production major, is a regular vape user. I find all the different smoke tricks so fascinating, it’s a fun hobby, Peck said.

In the Village of New Paltz, there are four main shops that sell e-cigarettes and vapes including Vape Kingz, Heady Teddys Outfitters, Smokes 4 Less and Likwid. Prices vary from electronic cigarettes to full vape kits and can range from $30 to $100. On top of that, the price of accessories can add up quick for full-time users. For many students, affording such kits can be quite an investment.

My module costed $50 alone, said Trevor Williams, a third-year commuter student, It gives me something to do, to have something in my hand.

E-Cigs contain chemicals such as…

  • Formaldehyde, found in embalming fluid
  • Cadmium, found in batteries
  • Benzine, found in gasoline
  • Toluene, an industrial solvent

Many students are turning to these electronic cigarettes because they believe that E-Cigs do not contain as many toxic chemicals as regular cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes and vapes require specific e-juices made to produce vapor clouds. These e-juices contain chemicals such as propylene glycol among others, and nicotine, the most common addictive substance in the United States and the active ingredient in all tobacco products.

With more campuses and public spaces placing a ban on smoke and tobacco-free products, the rise of electronic cigarette usage could be extinguished.

Quit tobacco-products today and call 1-866-NYQUITS

Little Rebellion

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