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US DOT bans electronic cigarettes on flights

By Doug Newhouse |

Top E Cigarettes and Vaporizers (credit) jonnwilliamsUS Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx yesterday announced a total ban on the use of electronic cigarettes on commercial scheduled flights, including all US and foreign carriers transporting passengers to and from the US.

“This final rule is important because it protects airline passengers from unwanted exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol that occurs when electronic cigarettes are used onboard airplanes,” said Secretary Foxx. “The Department took a practical approach to eliminate any confusion between tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes by applying the same restrictions to both.”

The Department says it views its current regulatory smoking ban to be sufficiently broad to include the use of electronic cigarettes; however, the prior rule did not explicitly define ‘smoking’. The Department adds that it took this action to eliminate any confusion over whether its ban includes electronic cigarettes.

 

E Cigarettes and Vaporizers (credit) Jonn Williams

Various E- Cigarettes/Vaporizers for illustrating purposes only (Photo credit: Jonn Williams – please see link: www.ecigclick.co.uk).

In its statement, the DOT said: “Electronic cigarettes cause concern because studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosol can contain a number of harmful chemicals. While further study is needed to fully understand the risks, the Department believes that a precautionary approach is best.

“The Department is particularly concerned that vulnerable populations (such as children, the elderly, and passengers with respiratory issues) would be exposed to the aerosol within a confined space, without the opportunity to avoid the chemicals.

“This rule explicitly bans the use of electronic cigarettes in all forms, including but not limited to electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens.  The ban does not include the use of medical devices such as a nebulizers.”

The DOT has also extended this ban on smoking, including electronic cigarettes, to all charter flights operated by US and foreign air carriers where a flight attendant is a required crew member.

US DOT bans electronic cigarettes on flights

By Doug Newhouse |

Top E Cigarettes and Vaporizers (credit) jonnwilliamsUS Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx yesterday announced a total ban on the use of electronic cigarettes on commercial scheduled flights, including all US and foreign carriers transporting passengers to and from the US.

“This final rule is important because it protects airline passengers from unwanted exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol that occurs when electronic cigarettes are used onboard airplanes,” said Secretary Foxx. “The Department took a practical approach to eliminate any confusion between tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes by applying the same restrictions to both.”

The Department says it views its current regulatory smoking ban to be sufficiently broad to include the use of electronic cigarettes; however, the prior rule did not explicitly define ‘smoking’. The Department adds that it took this action to eliminate any confusion over whether its ban includes electronic cigarettes.

 

E Cigarettes and Vaporizers (credit) Jonn Williams

Various E- Cigarettes/Vaporizers for illustrating purposes only (Photo credit: Jonn Williams – please see link: www.ecigclick.co.uk).

In its statement, the DOT said: “Electronic cigarettes cause concern because studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosol can contain a number of harmful chemicals. While further study is needed to fully understand the risks, the Department believes that a precautionary approach is best.

“The Department is particularly concerned that vulnerable populations (such as children, the elderly, and passengers with respiratory issues) would be exposed to the aerosol within a confined space, without the opportunity to avoid the chemicals.

“This rule explicitly bans the use of electronic cigarettes in all forms, including but not limited to electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens.  The ban does not include the use of medical devices such as a nebulizers.”

The DOT has also extended this ban on smoking, including electronic cigarettes, to all charter flights operated by US and foreign air carriers where a flight attendant is a required crew member.