Gov. to Ban E-cigarettes in all Schools as percentage of Students using Electronic Nicotine Increase

According to reports, Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday is set to sign into law a bill that will outlaw the smoking of e-cigarettes at all public and private schools.

The new law comes after The News in March detailed how a state Health Department survey found the percentage of high school students

who used e-cigs nearly doubled, from 10.5% in 2014 to 20.6% in 2016. Daily News.

The law outlawing electronic nicotine and vapor delivery systems on school grounds throughout the state would take affect immediately. It covers e-cigarettes, vaping pens and e-hookahs, all of which contain nicotine.

“This measure will further this administration’s efforts to combat teen smoking in all its forms and help create a stronger, healthier Empire State for all,” Cuomo said.

E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco or emit smoke, but instead heat up liquid nicotine and emit water vapor.

Opponents of the law said there is no evidence that e-cigarettes pose a health threat, as there is with tobacco products.

Cuomo argues that “nicotine use in any form has been shown to be damaging to teens, and this measure will close a dangerous loophole that allows e-cigarettes to be used on school grounds in New York.”

Cuomo cited a recent U.S. Surgeon General’s report that found e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used form of nicotine among youths, with the number having jumped 900% between 2011 and 2015.

Sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) and Sen. Patti Ritchie (D-St. Lawrence County), the bill to ban e-cigarettes on school grounds passed the Assembly, 134 to 10, and the Senate, 59 to 1.

In a bill-sponsor memo, Rosenthal argued that e-cigarette products are not regulated or subject to anti-smoking laws because they don’t contain tobacco. “This lack of oversight is placing individuals at risk because there is little known about the chemical make-up of the liquid nicotine or the harm to individuals from inhaling the water vapor directly or through secondhand exposure,” she wrote.

In 2012, the state banned the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes to those under the age of 18, but teens have found a way around the prohibition.

“Because they are so easily hidden, students will bring e-cigarettes into classrooms and use the devices while class is in session,” Rosenthal wrote, adding that teachers aren’t always aware of their use.

A separate bill that would ban the use of vaping devices in public indoor spaces such as restaurants, bars and offices under the existing state indoor clean air act also overwhelmingly passed the Legislature this year. The legislation has yet to be sent to Cuomo’s desk, though he is expected to sign it.