E-Cigarettes Now Prohibited in Indoor Public Areas and County Parks

Electronic nicotine delivery systems, (e-cigarettes) are now banned in public buildings and Washtenaw County Parks by action of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes or similar devices) will no longer be allowed in indoor public areas in Washtenaw County that are already smoke free. Changes to the Washtenaw County Clean Indoor Air Regulation were approved in March and took effect June 18.

New language in the regulation prohibits the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in public and private worksites and other indoor areas open to the public, such as stores, public buildings, reception areas and public transportation. The 2015 amendment also extends the regulation to Washtenaw County Parks for the first time.

“The amended regulation treats electronic devices the same as traditional tobacco products in our shared, public spaces,” says Ellen Rabinowitz, health officer for Washtenaw County Public Health. “We are pleased with the changes. Relevant, up-to-date regulations that provide everyone with cleaner air to breathe are effective ways for us to protect and promote health in our community.”

Tobacco specialty shops and retailers specializing in e-cigarettes or other electronic smoking devices are exempt. Additionally, the county regulation does not address smoking or e-cigarette use in restaurants or bars, which are governed by Michigan’s Smoke-Free Air Law and have been smoke-free since 2010.

The current state law does not cover the use of e-cigarettes. Individual bars and restaurants are free to set their own policies and can choose to ban e-cigarettes in the same way as traditional tobacco products.

The dangers of e-cigarette use and of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol in the air have been recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the World Health Organization, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and many others. All of these health authorities have called for e-cigarettes to be treated in the same manner as traditional combustible cigarettes, including prohibiting their use wherever cigarette use is prohibited.

Washtenaw County Public Health is responsible for enforcing the. Enforcement of the Washtenaw County Clean Indoor Air Regulation is complaint-driven. Residents who observe violations of the regulation may register a complaint by contacting DeBorah Borden, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator, at 734-544-6874 or bordend@ewashtenaw.org.

Washtenaw County Public Health promotes health and works to prevent disease or injury in our community. Visit online HERE.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.